One thing has ‘frustrated’ Scottie Scheffler ahead of Tour showdown

Scottie Scheffler will take a two-shot lead into the first round of the Tour Championship tomorrow.

It’s after a scarcely believable year that has featured six wins, including four signature events, the Masters, the Players Championship and an Olympic gold medal.

But that’s where it’s been called into question.

Was it better than Xander Schauffele’s double major-winning year?

Well, even their peers are split in the hotly contested debate. Before the first leg of the FedEx Cup play-offs last month, Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy aired their differences.

“I mean, two majors. That sounds pretty nice to me,” said Hovland, while McIlroy, too, was unhesitant in his answer.

“Scottie’s,” he said. “I think winning the Masters, an Olympic gold medal, winning, whatever it is, six times, it’s pretty hard to top that.”

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Now, though, the man at the heart of the race has weighed in, admitting it’s ‘frustrated’ him.

Here’s why.

“I think sometimes I get a touch frustrated with the questions people ask,” Scheffler said at East Lake.

“Like, oh, whose year would you rather have? Would you rather have Xander’s year or Scottie’s year? It’s like, can’t we just enjoy some great golf that’s been played this year?

“You had a guy win multiple major championships and you had a season like mine where I was able to win a good amount of times. I think it’s one of those things where we should just sit back and enjoy it.

“I’m just grateful for the year that I’ve had and I’m grateful for Xander’s year.

“I’m looking forward to competing for the FedEx Cup with 28 other guys. I think it’s something that we should just enjoy instead of focusing on the comparisons all the time.”

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While a win this week could sway the contest in Schauffele’s favour, the 30-year-old will have to come from behind if he’s to overcome his US rival.

The Champion Golfer of the Year is set to start in second place at eight-under-par.

Meanwhile, a win would take Scheffler’s seasonal earnings over $50 million. The winner in Atlanta will walk home with half of that total.

Through the BMW Championship, Scheffler has won just north of $29 million.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.