Scottie Scheffler’s dominance at the Masters Tournament is becoming legendary, and for good reason. As one of the game’s most consistent and talented players, Scheffler has made Augusta National his personal playground, conquering its iconic fairways and greens like few others. But what makes him so special at the Masters? To answer that, you need to understand how he approaches the game and how his swing coach, Randy Smith, compares his method to that of a seasoned handyman.
The Handyman Mentality: Tools for Every Job
When Randy Smith, Scheffler’s swing coach since he was just 7 years old, describes the young golfer’s game, he often likens it to a handyman fixing a leaky pipe. “It’s kind of like he’s got a toolbox, right?” says Smith. “OK, you’re going to go fix some plumbing. You look in your toolbox and say, well, this seems to be the issue — I’m going to get a crescent wrench. That fixes that problem.”
This analogy works perfectly to explain how Scheffler approaches his golf game. He has a variety of tools in his arsenal—each with a specific purpose—and he knows exactly when to use them. Whether it’s his flighted 5-yard fade that defies the wind or his spin-heavy chip that stops on a dime on Augusta’s tricky greens, Scheffler is always prepared.
Ted Scott: The Caddie Who Knows Augusta Like No Other
One key component of Scheffler’s success at Augusta is his caddie, Ted Scott. Known for his dedication to understanding the intricacies of Augusta National, Scott has been instrumental in Scheffler’s two Masters victories. With years of experience at Augusta, Scott has developed an unmatched understanding of the course’s nuances. “I would equate Scottie Scheffler to an incredible handyman. He’s going to show up, and he has no idea what the job is, but he’s got all the tools,” Scott explains.
Scott’s ability to help Scheffler choose the right shot shape for every hole is invaluable. Whether it’s hitting a draw to a right-to-left slope or playing a low cut to avoid trouble, Scheffler always seems to make the right choice, and Scott is there to guide him every step of the way.
Mastering the Masters: Scottie Scheffler’s Consistency at Augusta
In five appearances at the Masters, Scheffler has never finished outside the top 20, and he has already won the tournament twice in the last three years. His consistency at Augusta is remarkable, and it’s no surprise that he’s now aiming to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back Masters titles.
Scheffler’s approach to Augusta National is grounded in a unique combination of precision and patience. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to hit the shots,” Scheffler says. “If you don’t pull a shot off, you’re going to be punished out there.” That level of focus and discipline has made him a formidable force at the Masters.
The Stats Don’t Lie: Scheffler’s Mastery of Iron Play
Scheffler’s dominance at Augusta can largely be attributed to his iron game, where he consistently ranks at the top. According to Data Golf’s strokes gained approach rankings, Scheffler is the best iron player in the world, outperforming his competitors by nearly a fifth of a shot. Over the past three Masters, he has led in greens in regulation, strokes gained approach, and strokes gained tee to green. These stats highlight just how effective his approach shots are, as well as his ability to read and react to Augusta’s difficult greens.
A Master of the Greens: Reading Augusta Like a Pro
Scheffler’s success at Augusta isn’t just about striking the ball well—it’s also about understanding the course’s unique challenges. As Smith points out, Scheffler has an uncanny ability to read the greens from the fairway, thinking one step ahead of his competitors. “It’s like he’s reading the greens from the fairway,” Smith says.
Where other golfers may struggle with Augusta’s severe slopes and tricky pin placements, Scheffler thrives. His ability to shape shots according to the layout of the course—whether it’s a fade or a draw—is a key reason why he has been so successful. Augusta National may present a puzzle, but for Scheffler, it’s a puzzle he’s learned to solve better than most.
The Turning Point: The 2024 Masters Victory
Scheffler’s performance at the 2024 Masters was nothing short of extraordinary. Tied for the lead heading into the final stretch, he made an impressive surge, shooting five under in his last 11 holes. As competitors like Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, and Ludvig Åberg faltered, Scheffler stayed calm and executed his game plan perfectly.
Key moments during the final round, such as a flawless birdie on No. 9 and a key two-putt par on the difficult par-3 12th, showed just how prepared Scheffler was for the challenge. His ability to remain composed under pressure—especially on Augusta’s infamous Amen Corner—set him apart from the rest of the field.
Ted Scott: The Unsung Hero of Augusta
While Scheffler’s brilliance on the course is evident, much of his success can be attributed to his caddie, Ted Scott. With four Masters victories already under his belt—two with Scheffler and two with Bubba Watson—Scott is widely regarded as one of the best caddies in the game. His attention to detail and understanding of Augusta National’s intricacies have been crucial in Scheffler’s triumphs.
As Scott humbly puts it, his role is to simply “carry the brushes” and provide his player with the tools to succeed. “These guys are the artists,” Scott says. “I just carry the brushes and have the color available.” And when it comes to Augusta, Scott has all the colors needed to create a masterpiece.
The Pressure of the Moment: How Scottie Scheffler Thrives Under Pressure
What sets Scheffler apart from other elite players is his ability to thrive under pressure. While many golfers may buckle when the stakes are high, Scheffler embraces the moment. “The bigger the moment, the better he is,” says Smith.
For Scheffler, the atmosphere of the Masters—the roars from the crowd, the tradition, the history—only fuels his competitive fire. He’s not intimidated by the challenge; instead, he runs toward it, confident that he has the tools to succeed. As his swing coach says, “He looks forward to it. He embraces it. It’s like he runs to it.”
As Scheffler prepares for the 2025 Masters, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can secure his third green jacket and join the ranks of the greatest golfers in history. With his unique blend of skill, strategy, and mental toughness, it’s hard to bet against him.
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