Professional golfer Scottie Scheffler woke up anxious Sunday morning before the final round of the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, but takes comfort in knowing his future is “safe on the cross.” He said he did.
Hours later, Scheffler, an outspoken Christian and the No. 1 golfer in the world, was celebrating his second Masters title in three years.
The American and University of Texas alum beat Swedish golfer Ludwig Oberg with a four-under 68 in the final round, finishing the tournament at 11 under, four strokes behind Oberg.
Scheffler entered Sunday’s final round with just a one-stroke lead, but said he was feeling the pressure.
“This morning I was sitting with a friend [and] I was a little overwhelmed,” he said at a press conference after the final round. “Because I told them that, I thought, ‘No one wants to win as much as I do…'” I think this will make the morning easier. But I love winning. I hate losing. It’s true. And when you’re here in the best moments, when I’m sitting there with a lead on Sunday, I really, really want to win. ”
Then his friends gave him advice straight from the Bible.
“And this morning my comrades told me that my victory was assured on the cross. And it’s a pretty special feeling to know that you’re safe forever, and this tournament… It doesn’t matter if I win or lose, you know, my identity is safe forever.”
“This morning a friend of mine told me…my victory is assured on the cross.”
Powerful words from 2024 #Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler after Sunday’s win. pic.twitter.com/woRSd519r2
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) April 15, 2024
Scheffler also won the 2022 Masters. ranked This year, he is the world No. 1, winning three tournaments and finishing in the top 10 eight times.
Asked by members of the media how his beliefs affect bad breaks on the course, Scheffler replied, “I think the plan for today was already in place years ago, I couldn’t do anything to ruin it.”
“I have been given this gift of talent and I will use it for the glory of God,” he continued. “That’s about it. So when I go out to compete, I try to compete to the best of my ability. Like I said, I really want to win. I feel like it’s designed that way. I’ve been like that since I was little. And I don’t think it’s going to go away anytime soon. But I don’t think it’s wrong. At the end of the day, like I said, my identity is already safe. And I can go out here and compete and have fun and have fun. And at the end of the day, win or lose. ’s identity is safe.”
A few days earlier, Scheffler made headlines across the country when he said he would withdraw from the tournament if his wife went into labor. She is due to give birth in May.
He also spoke about his beliefs at the pre-tournament press conference.
“I’m a faithful man. I believe in the Creator. I believe in Jesus,” Scheffler said before the start of the tournament. “I think at the end of the day, that’s what most characterizes me. Well, I feel like I’ve been given a platform to compete and show my talent. …That’s what most characterizes me, that I believe in one Creator, and I am called to be here. [and] Do your best to compete and glorify God. ”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Andrew Redington/Staff
Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years.His story is published below baptist press, Christianity Today, christian post, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star And that Knoxville News Sentinel.
