It’s understandable why a lot of observers, supporters, and even athletes believe Scottie Scheffler should lose this week’s US Open.
With five victories in his last eight tournaments, including a second Masters title, the world number one is having the kind of strong start to the year that has led to comparisons with Tiger Woods.
“You know you are in a level that is pretty special when you start getting compared to Tiger,” remarked two-time major champion Jon Rahm.
The 27-year-old American Scheffler is “undoubtedly the best in the world,” according to four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, who also said, “It seems like every time he shows up, he is the guy to beat.”
“He is the gold standard,” according to 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, and “taking the level of consistency to a new level,” according to rising Norwegian talent Viktor Hovland.
“Scottie is doing incredible things,” remarked Xander Schauffele, the world number two and winner of the US PGA Championship last month.
“Everyone tries to crack each other up.”
Not since Woods’ heyday have there been as many commendations for a fellow player as there have been.
Scheffler remarked, upon learning of the accolades bestowed upon him by his colleagues, “It’s encouraging to know that, as competitors, we all strive to undermine one another.
“That’s part of the friendship bond. You want to mess with your buddies, so to hear compliments is definitely nice.”
That messing with your buddies was in full swing on Tuesday at Pinehurst’s Number Two course, which is hosting the 124th US Open starting on Thursday.
McIlroy was asked if he regretted giving Scheffler the idea to try a mallet-headed putter to help with his much talked-about struggles on the green.
That was in February. He went on to win four of his next five events and was joint second in the other before finishing joint eighth at the US PGA.
“The only thing that [stopped] him from winning [the US PGA] was going into a jail cell for an hour,” laughed McIlroy, referring to Scheffler’s arrest on the morning of the second round.
Scheffler, who said “I don’t love reliving it, but sometimes being able to laugh about it is a good skill”, was charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from a police officer. The charges were later dropped.
Eighth at Valhalla was his lowest finish in what has been a stellar three months.
