ALBANY (BAHAMAS): It's not all about the money, honey. For a World No. 1 golfer, it is about the thrill of competition. With talk of Ryder Cup compensation for 'greedy' American players a hot topic at Albany Golf Club, as mediapersons got an opportunity to meet the top players after an off-season lull, Scottie Scheffler was a tad touchy about the subject although he made his swings with a smile.
"I don't play golf for money," said the Hero World Challenge defending champion. "I've been playing golf my whole life for free and the money's just a bonus. I'm going to do the best I can in my community to steward that money well," he endorsed tournament host Tiger Woods' idea of handing out Ryder Cup bucks to charity, etc. "I want to win just as bad for zero dollars. I play because I love the competition."
So, for a champion whose career prize money count is $71,793,586, money's not the motivation. "It's a nice thing to have, though," he didn't deny.
When someone tried to quiz him on his conversation with Tiger Woods on the greens at the Wednesday ProAm, he did not play from the bunker but went straight for the flag.
"Today we grinded on the Ryder Cup. Tiger was really frustrated, he feels like he hasn't made enough money in his career. Mostly that, just a bunch of griping," the tall Texan shot from the hip with a smirk, then broke into laughter to ease the atmosphere. It's been a stellar year for two-time Masters champ Scheffler, who is seeking to become the first player to win the PGA Tour Player of the Year honours in three consecutive years since Tiger (2005-2007) with 7 Tour wins including the Augusta high, and that means there are a few title defences on the way, including this $5m event. And for all the stats enthusiasts, take it from the Olympic champion that "it can be a touch misleading at times. I'm so highly competitive that if I took a deep dive in stats I would be really p***ed if I wasn't No. 1 in everything," the perfectionist in him spoke.
Lest you need reminding, Scottie Scheffler is No. 1.
(The writer is in Albany at the invitation of Hero MotoCorp)
