It’s hard to believe there was a time when World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler had trouble winning tournaments. A few years back at The Memorial Tournament, Scheffler was on the losing end, but Jack Nicklaus was there to lift him. 

This week, Scheffler will be headed to Muirfield in hopes of completing the three-peat. However, back in 2021, he was struggling on the tour and was agonizingly close to securing his first title at The Memorial Tournament.

“I'm walking off the green, shake Jack Nicklaus' hand, he's like, 'Hey, listen, bud, you know, you didn't make the putt today, but someday you will make that putt.' And then a couple of years later, I had about a five-footer and knocked it to win the tournament,” said Scheffler.

In 2021, Scheffler was facing off against Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay in the final round at Muirfield. The 29-year-old had to score a birdie on the final hole to qualify for the playoff. 

However, Scheffler hit the tee shot into the left bunker. He splashed it on the green with the next shot, but then went on to miss the 6-foot putt. As a result, he fell two shots behind. 

“I think so, yeah. And so just to have encouragement from a guy like that is very special," Scheffler added. "He's obviously a guy I've looked up to for a long time, but that was something I never forgot.”

Disappointed, Scheffler walked off the course. On his way, he came across Nicklaus, who was waiting to hand over the title to the eventual champion.

That's when The Golden Bear offered him those words of encouragement, and since then, they have resonated with the World No. 1.

Now, Scheffler often makes the winning putts with ease and has been dominating Nicklaus’ event lately, having won back-to-back titles at The Memorial Tournament.

Scheffler’s Dominance At The Memorial Tournament

Only Tiger Woods has completed the three-peat at the Memorial Tournament. Scheffler will certainly look forward to matching that record this week.

In 2024, Scheffler made the five-foot winner putt, which he talked about recently, to close off an intense battle with fellow American Collin Morikawa. 

Scheffler had entered the final round with a four-shot lead, but that came down to just one stroke by the end. 

However, last year Scheffler showcased a different level of dominance, joining Woods as the only repeat winners of the tournament. He was the only player to break par on all four days and led compatriot Ben Griffin by just one stroke with eight holes to play.

However, at the closing stretch, he came out on top, defending his title by four strokes.

Scheffler is yet to add to the American Express title he won in January. The Memorial Tournament would be the ideal place for him to go back to winning ways.

Do you think Scheffler will be able to complete the three-peat this week? Share your predictions in the comments.

Read more at Club Golf.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Sijo Paul