Skilled golfer Scottie Scheffler stated he awoke with anxious ideas Sunday morning earlier than the ultimate spherical of the Masters in Augusta, Ga., however took consolation in understanding his future was “safe on the cross.”
Hours later, Scheffler — an outspoken Christian and world No. 1 golfer — was celebrating his second Masters title in three years.
The American and College of Texas product defeated Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg within the ultimate spherical with a 4-under-par 68 to complete the match at 11-under, 4 pictures higher than Åberg.
Scheffler led by only one stroke going into Sunday's ultimate spherical and stated he was feeling the strain.
“I used to be sitting with my buddies this morning. [and] I used to be slightly overwhelmed,” he stated throughout a press convention after the ultimate spherical. “As a result of I informed them, I used to be like, 'I want I didn't need to win as badly … as I do.' I feel it will make mornings simpler. However I prefer to win. I hate dropping. actually sure And while you're right here within the largest moments, after I'm sitting there with a lead on Sunday, I actually need to win.”
His buddies then gave him some recommendation straight from the Bible.
“And my buddies informed me this morning, you understand, my victory was sure on the cross. And that's a reasonably bizarre feeling understanding that I'm secure ceaselessly and it doesn't matter if I win this match or if I lose this match, you understand, my id is safe ceaselessly.”
“My pal informed me this morning…my victory is secured on the cross.
Highly effective phrases from 2024 #Masters champion Scottie Scheffler after Sunday's win. pic.twitter.com/woRSd519r2
— Sports activities Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) April 15, 2024
Scheffler additionally received the Masters in 2022. He’s the world No. 1, successful three tournaments this yr and ending within the High 10 eight occasions.
When requested by a member of the media how his religion impacts dangerous breaks on the course, Scheffler replied, “I imagine the plans for at the moment had been set a few years in the past and there was nothing I may have carried out to mess up these plans.”
“I’ve been given the reward of this expertise and I exploit it for the glory of God,” he continued. “That's just about it. So after I'm on the market, I attempt to compete as finest I can. Like I stated, I actually need to win. I really feel like I used to be designed that approach. I've been like that since I used to be a child. It's all the time been part of me. And I don't suppose it's going away anytime quickly. I don't imagine there's something incorrect with that both. However on the finish of the day, like I stated, my id is already secured. And I can come right here and compete, have enjoyable, get pleasure from it. After which on the finish of the day, win or lose, my id is secure.”
Days earlier, Scheffler grabbed nationwide headlines when he stated he would withdraw from the match if his spouse went into labor. She is due in Might.
He additionally spoke about his religion throughout the pre-tournament press convention.
“I'm a loyal man. I imagine in a Creator. I imagine in Jesus,” Scheffler stated earlier than the match started. “Finally, I feel that's what defines me essentially the most. Yeah, I really feel like I've been given a platform to compete and showcase my expertise. … I feel the factor that defines me essentially the most is my religion. I imagine in a single Creator and I used to be referred to as to return out right here [and] compete with all of your may and glorify God.”
Picture credit score: © Getty Pictures/Andrew Redington/Workers
Michael Foust has coated the intersection of religion and information for 20 years. His tales appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Right now, The Christian Submit, and Leaf chronicle, and Toronto Star and Knoxville Information-Sentinel.