Masters champ Scottie Scheffler undecided on Colonial, says Ryder Cup remains high point
Golf’s hottest name is still undecided on the Colonial.
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer and reigning Masters champion, still hasn’t made a decision whether he’ll play in the Charles Schwab Challenge next month in Fort Worth.
“The Colonial is a great event. I love that golf course so hopefully I’ll be a part of it, but I still haven’t decided,” Scheffler said after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Texas Rangers game Wednesday night at Globe Life Field.
Colonial officials are hopeful that Scheffler will play in the tournament for a third consecutive year. He missed the cut last year and finished tied for 55th in 2020.
Scheffler, who attended Highland Park High School, said the decision comes down to whether he needs rest. He’s scheduled to play in the AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney May 9-15. The PGA Championship, golf’s second major of the season, is the following week in Tulsa.
The Colonial starts May 23, with tournament rounds May 26-29. Tickets are available through the tournament’s website.
“It’s just how I plan my schedule to get rest when I can and then to perform well when I can. It’s a long season, just like baseball players have,” he said. “Fortunately for us, we kind of get to pick and choose where we play.”
With or without Scheffler, Colonial will still draw some of the sport’s biggest names. As of Wednesday, Colonial has commitments from three of the top 10 players in the world with Collin Morikawa (3), Viktor Hovland (6) and Jordan Spieth (9).
Other players expected to compete include TCU products Tom Hoge and Paul Barjon as well as other notable names such as Sergio Garcia, Rickie Fowler and 2021 Colonial champion Jason Kokrak.
Scheffler, who wore his green Master’s jacket while throwing out the pitch to Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, said it had been a while since he’s thrown a baseball.
“They gave me some warm-up time which was helpful. It’s just hot,” he said, referring to the jacket.
Scheffler, a self-described “big Dallas Cowboys fan,” said his life hasn’t changed much since winning the Master’s two weeks ago. In fact, he views helping the U.S. win the Ryder Cup last September as more meaningful than his first major victory on the tour.
“I think getting to represent your country and play with those guys on the team was pretty special. Individual accomplishments are great but playing for your country is extremely special,” he said. “I was just so grateful to be a part of that team. The Ryder Cup means a lot to me.”
He was asked about the success of athletes coming out of Highland Park, including Super Bowl champion quarterback Matthew Stafford, and Cy Young winning pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
“I don’t know. I guess they’re keeping us educated. I’m not sure what they’re feeding us but it’s nice to see guys from our neighborhood have success,” he said. “It’s a great high school. I learned a lot there. I don’t really know what’s in the water, but I’m going to try to keep drinking it.”
This story was originally published April 27, 2022 at 8:11 PM.
