Skilled golfer Scottie Scheffler mentioned he awoke with anxious ideas Sunday morning earlier than the ultimate spherical of the Masters in Augusta, Ga., however took consolation in realizing 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 remaining spherical with a 4-under-par 68 to complete the event at 11-under, 4 photographs forward of Åberg.
Scheffler led by only one stroke going into Sunday's remaining spherical and mentioned he was feeling the strain.
“I used to be sitting with my pals this morning. [and] I used to be a bit overwhelmed,” he mentioned at 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 believe it could make mornings simpler. However I prefer to win. I hate shedding. actually sure And if you're right here within the greatest moments, after I'm sitting there with a lead on Sunday, I need to win so badly.”
His pals then gave him some recommendation straight from the Bible.
“And my pals informed me this morning, , that my victory was secured on the cross. And that's a reasonably bizarre feeling realizing that I'm protected without end and it doesn't matter if I win this event or if I lose this event, , my id is safe without end.”
“My buddy 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 gained the Masters in 2022. He’s the world No. 1, successful three tournaments this 12 months and ending within the Prime 10 eight instances.
When requested by a member of the media how his religion impacts dangerous breaks on the course, Scheffler replied, “I consider the plans for right this moment had been set a few years in the past and there was nothing I might have carried out to mess up these plans.”
“I’ve been given the present 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 mentioned, I actually need to win. I really feel like I used to be designed that manner. I've been like that since I used to be a child. It's at all times been part of me. And I don't assume it's going away anytime quickly. I don't consider there's something fallacious with that both. However on the finish of the day, like I mentioned, 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 protected.”
Days earlier, Scheffler grabbed nationwide headlines when he mentioned he would withdraw from the event if his spouse went into labor. She is due in Could.
He additionally spoke about his religion throughout the pre-tournament press convention.
“I'm a loyal man. I consider in a Creator. I consider in Jesus,” Scheffler mentioned earlier than the event started. “In the end, I believe that's what defines me probably the most. Yeah, I really feel like I acquired a platform to compete and present my expertise. … I believe the factor that defines me probably the most is my religion. I consider in a single Creator and I used to be referred to as to come back out right here [and] compete with all of your would possibly and glorify God.”
Picture credit score: © Getty Photos/Andrew Redington/Employees
Michael Foust has lined the intersection of religion and information for 20 years. His tales have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity At this time, The Christian Publish, Leaf-Chronicle, Toronto Star and Knoxville Information-Sentinel.