Scottie Scheffler didn’t just draw attention for his impressive display at The Open Championship.
At Royal Portrush, Scheffler told reporters that the thrill of victory lasts only a few minutes for him, a comment that sparked debate in the golf world.
The American golfer revealed he rarely celebrates much, with his mind quickly returning to his family, especially his wife and young son.
LPGA star Lydia Ko has since offered her own perspective on Scheffler following those remarks, adding another voice to the conversation around him.
Lydia Ko praises Scottie Scheffler’s character
Many people felt Scheffler should show more pride in his achievements, but Ko had nothing but praise for him.
The reigning Women’s Open champion described Scheffler as a “great person” with a clear outlook, valuing that golf is not the most crucial aspect of his life.
“Scottie Scheffler is an unbelievable athlete and an incredible golfer, but it just seems like he is a great person, and he is really down to Earth and has a great perspective,” Ko said.
“Yes, as a competitor, he wants to be the best golfer he can be, and he is showing that right now, but he would rather be a good father or a good husband, and I think that just shows what kind of person he is.”
Ko also mentioned that her own outlook on golf shifted after meeting her husband.
“For me, meeting my husband was a switch for me, where I realised that there was much more to life other than just golf,” the three-time major winner added.
“My family has always been really invested in golf as well, so I think golf has been at the centre of everything in our lives, but meeting my husband has given me a new perspective, and there is a lot more out there.
“And as difficult as it may seem, what score I shoot on the golf course does not reflect who I am as a person, so I think he has made me realise that.
“And to this day, I am trying to learn that and embrace that more, but I suppose he was really the big key for me.”
Annika Sorenstam backs up Lydia Ko’s comments
The Swedish legend Annika Sorenstam also spoke in support of Scheffler’s remarks, urging fans to remember that professional golfers are human beings first.
“I appreciate his comments,” she explained. “He said the word ‘grateful’ many times, and he appreciates his success.
“It’s cool to win, but it doesn’t really fulfil the deepest desire in his heart, which I know is his family. I think that was a good thing to share.
“Maybe people need to start realising that we’re human beings who play golf, we’re not golfers trying to be human beings.“At the end of the day, that’s really what’s so important. You shouldn’t be judged on your score and what you do; life is about so much more than that.”
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