Watch Emotional Scottie Scheffler Declaring that Golf doesn’t define Him.

Scottie Scheffler, currently dominating the world of men’s golf, stands atop as the pinnacle figure, reminiscent of the reign of Tiger Woods or Jordan Spieth in the mid-2010s. Yet, for Scheffler, golf isn’t the sole measure of his identity or worth, a sentiment he expressed during his pre-Masters press conference at Augusta.

The No. 1 player in the world (by far) was asked today about what defines him.

Spoiler: He got emotional. And it's not golf. pic.twitter.com/rAwxx2QR3D

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) April 9, 2024

Raised in a household where his father prioritized values of education and kindness over athletic prowess, Scheffler’s journey into golf wasn’t compelled by familial pressure. Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared, “My dad never really looked at me as a golfer. He never pushed me to become a good golfer. That was never what he wanted for me.” Instead, his parents emphasized broader life lessons, instilling the importance of education and compassion.

Despite his recent successes, including consecutive wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship, Scheffler finds transient joy in victory. As he succinctly puts it, “Becoming a really good golfer may bring you a little bit of momentary joy, but it doesn’t sustain it for very long.”

While ascending to the top spot in the world rankings may seem like a monumental achievement, Scheffler maintains a grounded perspective, viewing golf as something he does rather than something that defines him. “Golf’s something that I do. It’s a tremendously huge part of my life. But it doesn’t define me as a person,” he affirmed.

As he gears up for the Masters, Scheffler remains focused on the present, prioritizing his preparation over future accolades. “I really am not looking much past tomorrow. I’m focused on my preparation right now,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on his 2022 Masters victory, Scheffler admitted feeling underprepared for the life-altering impact it would have. Now, as the overwhelming favorite for this year’s tournament, he hopes to maintain perspective amidst the heightened expectations. “I’m hoping it doesn’t define me too much,” he confessed.

As Scheffler navigates the challenges and triumphs of professional golf, he remains anchored in his core values, recognizing that while golf is a significant aspect of his life, it is not the sole determinant of his identity or fulfillment.