Scottie Scheffler: “Like a shank, except someone simultaneously punches you in the face”

World number one Scottie Scheffler recently shared how watching the U.S. women’s gymnastics team inspired him ahead of his performance in the men’s Olympic golf competition held at Le Golf National in Paris. Scheffler, who is the reigning Masters champion, posted an impressive 4-under-par 67 in his opening round, demonstrating a strong start to the tournament.

 

Despite his solid performance, Scheffler found himself four strokes behind the early leader, Hideki Matsuyama, with the afternoon groups still yet to complete their rounds. The night before his first round, Scheffler spent his time watching the U.S. gymnastics team clinch gold in the women’s gymnastics final, an experience he described as profoundly inspiring.

 

Scheffler expressed his admiration for Simone Biles and her teammates, noting their exceptional composure and dedication. “I was amazed watching Biles,” he said, reflecting on the poise displayed by the U.S. team. “They compete for years and years, and for some of them, making it to the Olympics may be the pinnacle of their careers.”

 

He pointed out the unique pressure faced by Olympic athletes. “For one tournament to hold such significance every four years is incredibly challenging,” Scheffler observed. In contrast to golf, where players have multiple opportunities to recover from a poor performance, Olympic gymnasts have a single chance to shine on the global stage.

 

Scheffler recounted a particularly striking moment involving gymnast Sunisa Lee. He described how, during her warm-up for the uneven bars, Lee suffered a fall that left the entire gymnasium in stunned silence. “We were concerned if she was okay and how she would perform,” Scheffler said. “Face planting like that must be incredibly painful and disorienting. To see her recover so quickly and deliver a flawless routine in front of the world was truly remarkable.”

 

Comparing Lee’s experience to golf, Scheffler humorously noted, “It’s like a shank in golf, but with the added difficulty of someone punching you in the face at the same time.” His light-hearted comment emphasized the high stakes and intense pressure faced by gymnasts, particularly in such a critical moment.

 

The atmosphere at Le Golf National also impressed Scheffler. “I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of turnout,” he admitted. “When I approached the first tee and saw the crowd, many of whom were wearing USA gear, it was a bit overwhelming.” He continued, “While I initially thought of the tournament as an individual event, the support from the fans and the patriotic chants created a sense of camaraderie and excitement that made it feel like a team event.”

 

In summary, Scheffler’s experience in Paris has been deeply influenced by the high level of competition and the inspiring performances of Olympic athletes. His reflection on the differences between the pressures faced in gymnastics and golf, along with his awe at the enthusiastic support from fans, has highlighted the unique and exhilarating nature of participating in the Olympic Games.