Scottie Scheffler made Royal Portrush look easy for most of the 72 holes. He started Sunday with a four-shot lead. A bogey-free 67 in the third round had the top-ranked golfer in the world in cruise control. After a quick start on Sunday, Scheffler was able to hold off a group of players with relative ease, outside of one hiccup on the 8th hole.
Fearless swings and sharp focus fuel Scheffler’s Open Championship charge
Scott isn’t just a bagman. At 52, he brings wisdom from years of walking alongside champions. His experience as both a player and a caddie gives him a rare perspective. On a 2024 episode of “The Sweet Spot” podcast, Scott opened up about the most important idea he shares with his players.
He tells them to commit fully to every shot and swing without fear. That kind of trust separates contenders from champions.
“You’ve got to be okay hitting the worst shot imaginable to have a chance at the best one,” Scott said. “It’s not easy. But it’s the key to playing your best golf.”
That piece of advice came originally from Brooks Koepka. Scott recalled the story of Koepka facing the daunting 18th at Pebble Beach during the 2019 U.S. Open. With the Pacific Ocean lining the left side and pressure closing in, Koepka stayed committed.
As Scott retold it, Koepka didn’t try to avoid the hazard. He simply aimed for the fairway and swung confidently, even knowing disaster was nearby. The logic was simple: You don’t play scared if you want to win.
Scott was struck by the mindset and now shares it with every player he works with. He tells them to hit every shot on the range with freedom. Mistakes are fine as long as they’re hit without tension.
“Blade it. Slice it. Hook it. But swing with freedom,” Scott said. “If you don’t practice that, the pressure will expose you.”
And right now, Scottie Scheffler is living proof.
MORE: Complete history of major wins, best finishes for Scottie Scheffler
Take Royal Portrush’s infamous 16th hole, “Calamity Corner.” A long par 3 with a steep drop-off on the right side that plays like a grassy ocean. Most players are aiming left and praying it sticks. Scheffler? He’s birdied it three days in a row heading into Sunday, before missing a putt on Sunday. Still, a par and held a five-stroke lead.
That’s not luck. That’s the product of clear thinking and fearless execution. And Scottie, who is one win away from a career grand slam, has his caddie to thank.
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