"What has always been important to me is working hard to become the 'best player' I believe I can be," Scottie Scheffler said during a press conference on May 21 at the TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, ahead of the PGA Tour's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which has a total prize purse of $10.3 million.
As the top-ranked player in men's golf, Scheffler is widely recognized as the best player in the game today. He has achieved 20 wins on the PGA Tour and four major championships, and he won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has also made history with 100 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the world rankings and 10 consecutive wins when leading after 54 holes.
On this occasion, Scheffler emphasized the importance of focusing on the journey toward his dreams rather than being tied down by specific goals. "I wasn't the type to write down my goals or set specific tournaments to win when I was younger. My dream was simply to play golf on the PGA Tour," he reflected.
He added, "That doesn't mean I viewed the PGA Tour as an absolute goal I had to achieve. I was more interested in seeing where that journey would take me."
Scheffler particularly cautioned against comparing oneself to others, urging a focus on personal growth. "I believe there is so much to learn from those around you. However, comparing yourself to others can sometimes be dangerous," he said. "Ultimately, what matters is progressing in your own way."
He also offered warm encouragement to Kim Joo-hyung, who has been experiencing a slump. "Golf is a really tough sport. I think it's one of the hardest games out there. Everyone goes through ups and downs," he reassured.
"Tom (Kim Joo-hyung) is still a young player. People often forget that he is only 23 years old," Scheffler noted. "Every time I see him, he has great energy and a bright expression. That’s one of Tom's biggest strengths. He always has a positive attitude and approach to everything. I’m confident we will see him competing for wins again soon."
Scheffler showcased his exceptional skills at last year's CJ Cup, winning in a wire-to-wire fashion and tying the PGA Tour record for the lowest score over 72 holes at 31 under par (253). This year, all eyes will be on whether he can defend his title. If he succeeds, he will achieve back-to-back victories at the event, a feat not accomplished since Lee Kyung-hoon in 2022.
Aiming for a second consecutive win in his hometown, Scheffler said, "I think a trophy with my name engraved in Hangul is really cool. I will do my best to win again. Competing on tour is always enjoyable, especially being able to play in my hometown. The fact that this tournament is named after Byron Nelson makes it even more meaningful to me."
Scheffler's love for Korean cuisine has also drawn attention. He previously remarked, "It was a tough day with rain, but Korean food helped me power through," creating a buzz. This year, he expressed excitement about the Korean food provided during the tournament. "I’m looking forward to having Korean food in the players' dining area for lunch. The food has always been excellent. In terms of player dining, this is one of my favorite tournaments," he said with a smile. "If there’s spicy chicken, I might eat several servings. I really love spicy chicken dishes."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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