Scottie Scheffler: Identity Beyond Athletics
Building A Strong Work Ethic Without Letting Your Job Define You
Scottie Scheffler has been the best golfer on the planet for the past two-plus years and shows no signs of easing his grip on that distinction. Coincidentally, he is also generally known to be a well-adjusted and upstanding human.
Work Ethic Greater Than Talent
There was a good story about Auston Matthews meeting coach Mike Babcock before he was drafted. I’m struggling to locate the source, so to paraphrase:
I heard you are pretty talented, kid. The day your talent exceeds your work ethic is the day you are out of this league (the NHL).
Matthews has an elite work ethic and is constantly evolving. Similarly, Scheffler has the same mindset that work ethic precedes results.
Scheffler literally hangs his hat on hard work:
“I hang them (old sweaty hats) as a little bit of a reminder of the work it took to get there (PGA tour) and so I’ll continue to put in the work on the other side (now that I’m in the PGA).”
Much of his golfing confidence comes from taking pride in his preparation.
What You Do Is Not Your Identity
Golf is not how Scottie and his family define him. It’s simply what he does.
“Golf is just what he does. He’s not a golfer; he’s a young man who is pretty good at golf.” - Scott Scheffler (Scottie’s father)
VIDEO - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/vzp3c2VczjR6iSs5/?mibextid=vNHAvl
While leading The Masters in 2022, the biggest tournament in golf, Scheffler wrote himself a note before heading into the final day. He ended up winning the tournament for the first time.
Scheffler attributes his upbringing, wife, friends, and Christianity to staying grounded and his mindset of being more than a golf score.
I loved the full video. Here are the high points:
Well prepared, physically and mentally
Controlling the controllables
Going through difficult times and persevering
Being surrounded by grounded people
Attitude to respond to frustration and poor shots
Cheers.
Further Reading
How to Skate a 10k: Managing Yourself & Becoming a Great Athlete
Player & Coach Development: Don't Let Early Success Ruin Your Future