Scottie Scheffler wants to do more than just win gold at the Olympics

Ahead of the Olympic men’s golf competition, athletes have been vocal about their aspirations, often expressing their goals with determined fervor. Rory McIlroy, the renowned Northern Irish golfer, stated unequivocally that his objective is to secure a gold medal. His compatriot, Shane Lowry, shared a similar sentiment, as did Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick. Each of these players has articulated a clear and ambitious aim: to claim the top spot on the podium.

In contrast, American golfer Scottie Scheffler’s approach to the Olympics reflects a different perspective. Rather than setting a specific goal of winning gold, Scheffler chose to write simply, “Have Fun,” on his whiteboard when outlining his ambitions for the Paris Games. This seemingly casual declaration contrasts sharply with the more competitive aspirations of his peers but might offer a glimpse into Scheffler’s mindset and approach to the event.

Scheffler’s commitment to enjoying the experience is evident in his actions leading up to the tournament. The golfer, accompanied by his wife Meredith and their young son Bennett, embraced the opportunity to explore Paris as a tourist. They visited iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, immersing themselves in the cultural richness of the city. In addition to sightseeing, the family had the chance to witness the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s triumphant gold medal performance, adding a celebratory and inspiring moment to their trip.

As the Olympic golf tournament approaches, Scheffler’s light-hearted and relaxed attitude seems to resonate with his approach to the game. His focus on enjoyment rather than solely on winning reflects a broader philosophy that the journey and experiences surrounding the competition can be as fulfilling as the outcome itself.

Scheffler’s competitive journey begins on Thursday at Le Golf National, where he will take to the course alongside McIlroy, who has previously expressed his appreciation for dressage, and Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg. The trio is scheduled to tee off at 4:11 a.m. ET, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting and high-stakes competition.

The contrast between Scheffler’s “Have Fun” philosophy and the more goal-oriented approaches of his competitors highlights the diverse motivations and attitudes athletes bring to the Olympics. While McIlroy, Lowry, and Fitzpatrick are driven by the pursuit of gold, Scheffler’s emphasis on enjoyment underscores the idea that for some, the experience of participating in the Olympics is as significant as the achievement of winning.