S Poddar
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler made history at the Travelers Championship, securing his sixth PGA Tour win of the season by edging out Tom Kim in a thrilling play-off. This achievement marks him as the first golfer since Arnold Palmer in 1962 to win six times on the PGA Tour before July.
Reflecting on his victory, Scheffler shares his thoughts on the intense competition with his friend Tom Kim, his approach to not letting wins define him, and his excitement for representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Winning my sixth tournament this season feels incredibly special. It’s been an amazing journey, filled with memorable moments and hard-fought battles. Competing against Tom Kim, who is not just a formidable opponent but also a good friend, added a unique dimension to this victory. We’ve spent countless hours playing together, both at home in Dallas and on Tour, so it was both fun and challenging to face him in such a crucial moment.
The final round was a rollercoaster of emotions. The putts seemed to hang on the edge, teasingly close, especially on the back nine. It was tough watching each one narrowly miss, but I kept my focus and stayed determined. When Tom made that incredible putt on the 18th hole to force a play-off, it was a testament to his skill and tenacity. Even though it hurt to see him make a bogey in the play-off, I was genuinely proud of his performance.
Tom Kim is a fantastic player with a bright future ahead. At just 22, he’s already showing the right attitude and resilience needed to succeed on the Tour. I made sure to tell him how proud I am of him, and I know he’ll have many more victories to celebrate.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark. Representing Team USA on such a prestigious stage is an honor, and I’m eagerly anticipating the challenges and experiences that lie ahead.
This season has been extraordinary, and while victories are meaningful, they don’t define who I am. It’s the journey, the battles, and the camaraderie that truly make this experience so rewarding.
