Scottie Scheffler’s dominance in professional golf has been nearly unmatched, with 18 victories since early 2022. The world No. 1 is set to compete for his third Arnold Palmer Invitational title in four years, yet he recently revealed an amusing setback in an informal match against a 10-handicap amateur friend.
During a pre-tournament media session at Bay Hill, Scheffler recounted how his opponent secured victory in dramatic fashion. “He holed a bunker shot on 18 to win,” he said, smiling. “I got out of the way because I thought he could potentially shank it, and he ended up holing it. So it was kind of one of those.”
Despite his ultra-competitive nature, the two-time Masters champion took the loss in stride. “I didn’t like losing. I handed him the money and then I told him: ‘Thanks, man. Now I got to go play a golf tournament next week, so I appreciate the confidence boost that I just lost to a 10 handicap.’” His laughter suggested he saw the humor in the moment, rather than any real cause for concern.
Scheffler also emphasized the joy he finds in casual weekend rounds with friends. “I still love cutting it up with my buddies, playing money games and gambling,” he said. “That’s kind of one of the great things about golf. I can go out with a guy who is going to shoot 90, and I can give him enough strokes to where we’ll have a good competition. That’s what makes it so fun about the game.”
While lighter moments like these provide entertainment, professional golf remains embroiled in uncertainty regarding a potential deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Talks between both sides were recently held at the White House, but there are indications that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund was not impressed with what was proposed.
Rory McIlroy, a past Arnold Palmer Invitational champion, sounded skeptical about any imminent resolution. “It takes two to tango,” he remarked. “So if one party is willing and ready and the other isn’t, it sort of makes it tough. I don’t think unification has ever felt that close, and it doesn’t feel like it’s any closer.”
Despite the ongoing division in men’s professional golf, McIlroy expressed confidence in the PGA Tour’s position. “I think the narrative around golf would welcome a deal in terms of just having all the best players together again,” he said. “But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal. I think the momentum is pretty strong. TV ratings have been good, and TGL has been hopefully pretty additive to the overall situation. From a pure PGA Tour perspective, I don’t think it necessarily needs it.”
McIlroy has been making adjustments to his equipment in preparation for Augusta National and the year’s first major, now just over a month away. Bay Hill’s challenging conditions will put those changes to the test.
Reflecting on his connection to Arnold Palmer, McIlroy recalled how the golfing legend personally encouraged him to play in this event. “Arnold would write me a letter pretty much every year from when I was eligible to play, I think in 2010, and I didn’t make it here until 2015,” he said. “At one point, he said he was going to break my arm if I didn’t come, so eventually I did. As soon as I got here and saw the golf course, I instantly regretted not coming sooner, because it sets up really well for me. I’ve obviously done pretty well here with the win and a lot of other good finishes. It’s a great event.”
