For Scheffler, a new world awaits as the Masters champion

AUGUSTA, Ga. –

Scottie Scheffler simply wanted dinner. He decided that the best option was for him and Meredith to order takeout and then head back to their rental home to rest up before the final round at the Masters.

It’s a small problem.

Scheffler was on his way home when he ate all of his dinner.

“Meredith is still laughing at me,” Scheffler said. “She thought it was the funniest thing ever.”

Scheffler’s dinner will be free of transport costs every time he returns to Masters. Masters champions can attend the Masters Club dinner. Scheffler now has a permanent spot at that table after his three-shot victory over Rory McIlroy at Augusta National on Sunday.

It cemented his status of the No. It was his fourth career win, all in a span about two months. It also cemented his status as the No. 1 player in the world. This week saw the 25-year old manage the pressure of being in Masters contention with ease.

He wept when his 2020 Masters invitation arrived. They’ll never stop coming.

“That’s the coolest part about this whole deal,” Scheffler said. “This is such a fun golf course. It’s such a fun piece of property. I mean, it’s Augusta National. It’s about as cool as it gets. It’s so fun to play. I just can’t believe that I can come back for a lifetime and get to enjoy this golf course.”

McIlroy finished with a flourish. His Sunday 8-under 64 put him in second place. He had started the final round 10 strokes back. Shane Lowry (69), Cameron Smith (73) were tied for third, five behind Scheffler. Smith began birdie-birdie and was briefly within one shot. Scheffler chipped in for birdie. Smith made bogey to restore order. Scheffler held the lead for the remainder of the round, and not even a double-bogey 6 at the final hole deterred his march towards a green jacket.

“Scottie’s just been sort of unflappable,” McIlroy said.

The No. The No. Augusta National’s 18 greens are fairly close to each other, which means that this little piece of land was the absolute center point of the golf world at 2:40 pm. Scheffler was on the other side, preparing for his first Masters win. Tiger Woods was coming up on the other side, completing his comeback tournament. His career — and his life — could have ended with a February 2021 car accident in the Los Angeles suburbs.

It was Woods’ worst Masters ever and one of his worst tournaments. Woods beat five out of 52 players who made it through to the final cut. Woods shot a 78 on the second consecutive day and finished the week at 13-over 302, 23 shots behind the lead.

He was delighted. He finished. The five-time Masters winner didn’t care about anything else.

“It’s been a tough road, and one that I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to be able to grind through it,”Woods stated that it was over when it was over. “A lot of different things could have happened, but (after) 14 months, I’m able to tee it up and play in the Masters.”

Augusta National doesn’t let go of past champions. This tradition is honored from the beginning of the tournament. Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus opened the week with ceremonial balls. Tom Watson joined in for the first-time.

“I would like to say how honored I am to be with Gary and Jack,”Watson spoke before taking his ceremonial swing. “I’ve watched this ceremony many times in the past … and to be a part of this thing, I’m truly humbled.”

Augusta does this. It humbles. It celebrates. It crowns the lucky few, like Scheffler.

The Scheffler family has made the place a major part of their story for many years. Scheffler owns a 2012 Chevrolet Yukon, with almost 200,000 miles. It was bought in Augusta a decade back. Scott Scheffler was there to watch Bubba Watson, the new Masters winner. The vehicle he was driving had also died. He was there to see Bubba Watson and drove the car that Scheffler senior drove to Augusta. “expired”Enjoy the trip.

“Everyone got a T-shirt,” Scott Scheffler said. “I got a car payment.”

Scott Scheffler was unable to control his emotions Sunday night. He proudly recounts holding up a flashlight for his son to hit extra balls at night driving range. He defers all credit for his son’s success. On Monday, he will be driving the Yukon home.

Yes, the Yukon remains his son’s car. It was there on Sunday. Scott Scheffler will use this to bring home the dog on Monday. It’s unknown if the Yukon will return next year.

Scottie Scheffler is certain to be back.

The new Masters champion woke up on Sunday unable to contain his tears, the enormity of it all briefly overwhelming him. He ate that Saturday dinner. All of it was not funny at the moment. It all made sense when he wore his new green jacket on Sunday night.

“I never expected to be sitting where I am now,” Scheffler said. “You know, you don’t expect things to come to you in this life. You just do the best that you can and with the hand you’re dealt and just go from there. I never really thought I was that good at golf, so I just kept practicing and kept working hard, and that’s just what I’m going to keep doing.”

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02:12ET 11-04-22