Scottie Scheffler enjoyed a remarkable year, clinching numerous victories while consistently emphasizing one particular theme throughout. Despite his incredible achievement of winning nine tournaments, including the prestigious gold medal at the Olympics, what stood out was a simple message highlighted on a whiteboard in Paris: “Have fun.” In keeping with this spirit, Scheffler impressed everyone by shooting a final round of 62 to secure the gold medal. His frequent use of the term “fun”—183 instances in press conferences from January’s Kapalua to his PGA Tour player of the year award in December—underscored his joyful approach to the sport. This sentiment resonated widely within the golf community, influencing a memorable season that will be recounted for years to come.
Tommy Fleetwood’s inaugural visit to The Sentry in Maui became a significant moment, particularly as he was joined by his father, Peter, visiting Hawaii for the first time. Peter watched his son from a cart on the practice range, relishing the beautiful Hawaiian weather. Reflecting on their past family vacations, he noted that they never took traditional holidays due to financial constraints. Instead, their summers were filled with junior golf tournaments, which they regarded as their vacations—a sentiment that revealed a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude for Peter as he observed his son’s success. His heartfelt reflection continued, expressing a sense of loss from his late wife but also a profound appreciation for everything else he has experienced in life—highlighting that the value of contentment transcends material aspirations.
In the realm of professional golf, the spotlight on monetary rewards extends to caddies as well. Xander Schauffele and his caddie Austin Kaiser enjoyed a longstanding friendship that blossomed since their collegiate days at San Diego State. Kaiser transitioned from a warehouse job to become Schauffele’s caddie, culminating in significant achievements, including their PGA Tour card in 2017 and multiple top-10 rankings. During a conversation about the substantial earnings from $20 million tournaments, Schauffele joked about Kaiser being overpaid, to which Kaiser humorously replied, “Yeah, but you’re the (expletive) paying me.” Their camaraderie and success only deepened as they celebrated two major championships a few months later, reflecting how teamwork translates into shared prosperity.
As the U.S. Open approached, Jack Nicklaus reminisced about his experience at the Los Angeles Country Club, where he competed in the U.S. Junior Amateur at the age of 14. He recalled losing in the second round to Hugh Royer Jr., a memory vivid even after decades of participating in over 1,000 tournaments. Despite being 84 years old, Nicklaus’s recall of events from 70 years prior remained sharp, detailed, and even amusing as he chuckled about the match’s score. A conversation later with USGA historian Michael Trostel confirmed the specifics, showcasing Nicklaus’s exceptional memory, as he almost perfectly recalled not just the opponent but also the score—with a slight deviation that only highlighted his unmatched prowess in the game.
Nelly Korda entered the U.S. Women’s Open with enormous expectations following her string of five consecutive LPGA victories, but things took a dramatic turn. During her third hole, she faced a challenging par-3 and after a long wait, her shot landed in a bunker. A cascade of errors ensued, leading to an astonishing 10 on her scorecard. Her swing coach, who had moved closer to the stands to watch her, humorously remarked about the situation’s difficulty while nearby acquaintances found a logistical reason to leave and procure more golf balls. Korda’s mental fortitude would ultimately be tested as she faced an uphill battle to reclaim her composure on the course.
Honoring Steve Stricker during the Golf Writers Association of America Awards night was met with heartfelt reflections, particularly from his daughter, who feared the emotional weight of the occasion. Stricker, who had an outstanding 2023 season with six wins—including three majors—accepted the honor for senior player of the year with genuine sentiment. The atmosphere turned poignant as he acknowledged the heartfelt remarks from Gary Woodland, a fellow golfer overcoming health challenges. Stricker’s gaze towards his family triggered an emotional response, delaying his words as he composed himself amidst tears while expressing gratitude. It’s this authenticity that endears him to fans and fellow competitors alike.
Justin Thomas faced a challenging week at the BMW Championship, struggling significantly with his putting. At a practice session alongside his father, he lamented his ranking in putting statistics. In a twist of irony, Mike Thomas delivered the news that, with Hideki Matsuyama’s withdrawal, there were only 49 players left in the field—meaning Thomas was technically the bottom of the pack. Nevertheless, through determination, Justin managed to perform just well enough over the weekend to secure a place in the Tour Championship, showcasing his resilience despite setbacks.
Scottie Scheffler’s success at the Paris Olympics was not just a personal triumph, but it also extended to his caddie, Ted Scott, who received a special recognition as well. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee allows medalists to award a medallion to a key member of their team. For Scheffler, Ted was the clear choice, particularly after Ted’s encouraging words during a challenging moment on the course. After a rough double bogey, Ted delivered a pivotal message to Scheffler, urging him to remain composed and trust in his abilities—a testament to their bond as a team. Ultimately, a stellar finish and a remarkable 29 on the back nine sealed the gold for Scheffler, who expressed enormous appreciation for Ted’s support, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving greatness in the sport. This season was indeed filled with extraordinary moments and deep connections.
