Jack Nicklaus warns Scottie Scheffler about what not to do after Memorial Tournament win

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Jack Nicklaus has offered a word of caution to Scottie Scheffler, who is now ranked as the world’s best golfer.

Scheffler picked up where he left off, capturing his third win in four starts with a victory at The Memorial.

With the US Open approaching at Oakmont, the 26-year-old heads into the tournament as the clear favourite to add a fourth major to his tally.

But staying at the top often comes with its own challenges, and few people understand that better than Nicklaus.

Jack Nicklaus on staying grounded at the top

Following Scheffler’s win, the 18-time major champion shared some advice on how to handle life as world number one – and in particular, how to stay laser-focused.

“Let me sort of add to that. If he is thinking about being the best and starts believing he’s the best, pretty soon he starts scratching his ears out here like this, and that’s death. Once you start to get a big head and you believe you’re too good, then you will get beat,” Nicklaus said.

“As long as you keep trying to play well, climb a mountain, try to feel like he’s trying to get better, trying to be smart, be consistent, and playing what he thinks is the best golf he can play at that particular time, that’s when you play well, not when you’re sitting there saying, ‘Oh, I’m really this good. I can do that’, No, no.

“I never thought that one time when I played. I always felt like, hey, you know, I got 144 guys or whatever it might be out there to play. I’ve got to play well to beat ’em. Once I got myself into position, you know, to win, then you got to be smart about how you finish it. And that’s the way he’s playing.

“He reminds me so much of the way I like to play. I don’t think I played nearly as well as he played. He’s playing better than I played and more consistent. He’s just been playing fantastic, and I love watching him play. Whether it’s here or on the television or whatever it is, I love to watch. Anytime he’s playing, I want to watch.”

Scottie Scheffler’s steady approach sets him apart

Some athletes wear their confidence like a badge, and it can come back to haunt them. But that doesn’t seem to apply to Scheffler.

While Scheffler is fully aware of his talent, his grounded nature and focus outside of golf – including his strong family ties – help him keep things in perspective.

It’s going to take something special to knock Scheffler off his game anytime soon. His results, mental strength, and overall balance give him the foundation to stay at the top for a long time.