Scottie Scheffler’s Inner Struggle: The Quest for Meaning in Golf

Despite his monumental success in golf, Scottie Scheffler questions the deeper purpose of his career, prioritizing family over fame and trophies.

By Chris Posiano

July 16, 2025 at 10:20 AM

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Scottie Scheffler, a three-time major champion and Olympic gold medalist, has achieved what many golfers only dream of. Yet, as he prepares for The Open Championship, the 29-year-old finds himself grappling with a profound question: Why does he play golf?

With victories at the US PGA Championship, two Masters titles, and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Scheffler has dominated the sport. He has held the world number one ranking for 112 consecutive weeks and earned over £65 million in prize money on the PGA Tour. Despite these accolades, Scheffler remains introspective about the true value of his success.

“This is not a fulfilling life,” Scheffler admitted. “It’s fulfilling in terms of accomplishment, but it doesn’t touch the deepest parts of my heart. Many people reach what they thought would fulfill them—like becoming world number one—and then ask, ‘What’s the point?’ I wrestle with that question daily.”

For Scheffler, the motivation to win tournaments is often fleeting. “If I win, it’s awesome for two minutes, and then we move on to the next challenge. It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate a victory for just a few moments,” he explained.

Family, however, remains his top priority. Scheffler and his wife, Meredith, welcomed their son Bennett 14 months ago, and the golfer is adamant about maintaining a healthy balance between his career and personal life. “If golf ever starts affecting my home life or my relationship with my wife and son, that will be the last day I play professionally,” he stated. “Being a great father is far more important to me than being a great golfer.”

This season, Scheffler has continued to excel on the course, with three wins, one runner-up finish, and eight top-10 placements in 15 events. He hasn’t missed a cut since August 2022, showcasing his consistency and skill. Yet, even as he competes at the highest level, Scheffler remains grounded, constantly reflecting on the purpose behind his pursuit of greatness.

As he tees off at The Open Championship, Scheffler’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about golf. His candidness offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a world-class athlete navigating the complexities of success, purpose, and family.