When I look at myself Scottie Scheffler Playing on the PGA Tour every week, I always pictured him as an energized seven-year-old buzzing around the practice facilities at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas. Then, he insisted on wearing long pants every time he came to the course. That’s what the pros wore, so Scottie made sure to emulate them—even in the oppressive Texas heat. It’s safe to say that his practice in imitation has paid off. With 22 Tour wins and four major titles (so far), he has become one of the best players in the modern game and one of the fiercest competitors in all of golf.
That’s funny Scheffler’s progression from spunky junior to collegiate All-American to world No. 1 is that his swing really hasn’t changed at all since he was a kid. Sure, he hits it longer and makes a few more birdies, but the DNA of his swing is exactly the same – unique footwork and all. When people ask me how I helped keep Scheffler playing at such a high level, all I can do is laugh. With such a talented, disciplined and driven student like him, it’s easier than you might think.
These days at Royal Oaks, there’s a new crop of kids hitting the range, dreaming of a future in pro golf. Scheffler is also around. And every time he shows up to work on his game, he makes sure to engage with the kids, just like the pros did when he was that seven-year-old kid in pants. Children may not fully understand now, but there is no one better for them to learn and watch. Heck, who knows, in 20 years, it may be one of his swings that can be seen on these pages.
Mark Newcombe
1. Setup
Scheffler’s feet are actively engaged with the ground and in great balance. Every line – feet, shoulders, forearms – is perfectly square to the target.
2. To take
Here he allows the pressure to flow to his right side as the club works in a textbook position, with the shaft and left arm forming a line through the hands and down to the ball.
3. Top
Scheffler’s hips and legs provide sturdy structural support while the upper body stretches against them. From there, he can shift his pressure back to the left side and cool down powerfully during the downswing.
4. Downswing
The head rests slightly back as the downswing progresses, creating perfect conditions for a powerful stroke. The tree sits perfectly on the floor above the right forearm.
5. Impact
Scheffler drives hard into the left side while keeping his arms level for impact. The face squares up at exactly the right moment as the club makes contact with the ball.
6. Free
The right foot releases toward the left knee and begins to slide in his signature “Scheffler shuffle.” The right arm extends fully, allowing the club face to fully release as the body rotates around a steady center, sending the shot right into its target line.
