FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK | It has been evident since before the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome that, while Luke Donald may be captain of the European team, Rory McIlroy is its alpha male, essentially inviting in all the pressure and expectations that come with the most captivating event in golf.
It’s been two years since McIlroy, in the full glow of another European victory, declared his intention to lead his team to a rare victory on American soil, slapping the table when he finished, an audible exclamation point in an event that pulses like no other.
Then there is Scottie Scheffler, who hides his lionhearted nature behind his understated personality. As the undisputed No. 1 player in the world, Scheffler may hold the key to the Americans’ chances at Bethpage Black this week because if he plays like he typically does, the U.S. team will operate from a position of strength.
Fairly or not, the burden of expectations falls on Scheffler, whose consistent brilliance is his most defining characteristic. In a team room in which captain Keegan Bradley, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas are likely to be the most outwardly demonstrative, Scheffler’s presence will be immense.
In a different way than McIlroy, it feels like this is Scheffler’s team. That doesn’t mean Scheffler will change who he is or how he acts but merely by being himself he might provide a contagious self-confidence to his teammates.
Scheffler is a first among equals on this American team, not that he sees it that way.
“I think we have 12 guys that are all equal. I don’t think one player is more important than another. I think that is something that is through our team room,” Scheffler said when the notion was posed to him Tuesday morning.
Had Scheffler said it any differently, the earth might have moved. He will speak his mind – he’s become more willing to share his opinions and, in the process, has revealed how thoughtful he is – but he is not an extrovert.
Scheffler’s friends will tell you he loves trash talking, which offers a window into his renowned competitiveness. The moment may come this weekend when Scheffler takes the floor and delivers a team-room message that thunders but he won’t force it.
“It’s not like Scottie gets more points for winning a match than I do or J.J. Spaun or Collin Morikawa or Xander [Schauffele], whatever it is.” – Justin Thomas
As good as he is on the golf course – even McIlroy has admitted to trying to emulate some of what Scheffler does on the course – he may be more admired for how he doesn’t let his accomplishments overshadow who he is.
“He’s definitely one of 12 when it comes to the team. I think it is very cool and unique that everybody on our team is. It’s not like Scottie gets more points for winning a match than I do or J.J. Spaun or Collin Morikawa or Xander [Schauffele], whatever it is,” Justin Thomas said.
As captain, Bradley has not tipped his hand on who might be paired with Scheffler but it seems likely he will play all five sessions. In two previous Ryder Cup appearances, Scheffler has a middling record of 2-2-3.
In Rome two years ago, Scheffler played four times without a victory and earned an ignominious place in Ryder Cup history when he and Brooks Koepka were beaten, 9 and 7, by Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland in Saturday foursomes, the most lopsided loss ever.
Over the past two years in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, Scheffler has paired with Sam Burns, Russell Henley, Tony Finau, Collin Morikawa and Koepka.
Scheffler laughed off the suggestion that he might have an aura like Tiger Woods in his prime.
“I’d like to think that I’m not difficult to pair with people. I’d like to think of myself as someone that’s a nice guy and easy to get along with. I’ve had different partners over the years and have had some success,” Scheffler said.
“I think some of the difficulty you had with playing with Tiger – I mean, I don’t even know what it could be. It could just be the aura that was Tiger Woods. There was some times there when he was doing nothing but winning golf tournaments and just beating the absolute crap out of people time and time again.”
That sounds familiar these days. As for a Tiger-like aura, Scheffler’s friends seem intent on keeping him grounded.
“He doesn’t [have an aura] to me, but I also feel like I know him well enough that even if he did, I wouldn’t give him that credit and let that get to his head because he’s competitive and can get chirpy enough, that that’s the last thing I need him knowing that if I did feel that way. I’m sure he does to some people, and rightfully so, right?” Thomas said.
Scheffler is one of 12 this week. But he’s a very big one.