There are a few key takeaways when you’re playing golf alongside the current world number one.
Golf analyst Johnson Wagner, present at the recent 3M Open, observed the large crowd that gathered for Scottie Scheffler, who was competing in his first tournament since the British Open at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota.
Wagner mentioned that such a crowd could potentially distract other players who are teeing off near him.
“The number of spectators was impressive all week,” Wagner commented during a Wednesday interview. “He started off early Thursday, but there were crowds of 10,000 to 15,000 following him, many seeing him live for the first time.”
Wagner found it “ridiculous” how much attention Scheffler is drawing this season on the Lynx.
“Brian Herman played with him on Saturday, and he really had to work for some credit since I think he was teeing off second for the entire back nine,” Wagner elaborated. “When Scottie makes a shot, people tend to rush down the fairway.”
“Herman had to go back to the tee box a few times because of the crowd, especially on the 11th. Even with Scottie sinking his putt, Herman was still under pressure. It was tough.”
Wagner compared the experience to playing alongside Tiger Woods.
“I can’t imagine being in the group in front of him or the one behind, with all those spectators crowding around. But it was quite the atmosphere,” he wrapped up.
Fans cheered as the 30-year-old had another solid performance on Sunday, shooting an impressive 8-under 63, with birdies on holes 10 through 12.
He ended the tournament three strokes behind winner Jackson Koibun, marking his fifth runner-up finish of the season.
His PGA season has been historical.
Scheffler became the first player since the PGA Tour began tracking records in 1983 to have five runner-up finishes.
After a series of close calls—including finishing just one stroke behind Rory McIlroy at the Masters—it’s possible he could have had four or five wins this year.
