As the PGA Tour approaches the FedExCup playoffs, Scottie Scheffler maintains his position as one of professional golf‘s top competitors. The American golfer, 29, with four major championship titles and 151 weeks at World No. 1, shared an amusing story about the last time he personally paid for a round of golf, shedding light on an unexpected moment in his career.

During a casual conversation on Wednesday, Scheffler remembered walking into a local public golf course roughly five years ago and asking a friend working the pro shop to charge him for their tee times. Instead, the friend insisted Scheffler was covered, only to turn to Scheffler’s companion and say he needed to pay for the round instead. This incident still brings laughter among his group of friends.

“It’s been a while. I remember the last time I didn’t get to pay for a round…one of my buddies in the pro shop had to pay for a round. That was pretty funny.” —Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler’s Journey From Junior Standout to PGA Rookie

Scheffler’s reputation in golf was established long before he joined the professional ranks in 2018. Competing in the Northern Texas PGA circuit as a youth, he won 90 out of 136 junior tournaments and earned the prestigious 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur championship. His college years at the University of Texas were marked by significant achievements, including helping lead the Longhorns to Big 12 titles and receiving the Phil Mickelson Freshman of the Year accolade in 2015.

After turning professional, Scheffler competed on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2019, a stepping stone for many aspiring golfers. That year, he earned multiple honors including Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and led the Finals points list, securing his place on the PGA Tour in 2020. His rookie season was impressive, finishing fourth on the money list and capturing the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award, signaling his potential at the highest level.

Breakthrough Seasons: Scottie Scheffler’s Rise to Golf Stardom

The year 2022 was pivotal for Scheffler. Over just three months, he secured his maiden PGA Tour victory, ascended to the world No. 1 ranking, won his first Masters Tournament green jacket, and was honored as PGA Tour Player of the Year. His four wins during this period matched a feat last achieved by Arnold Palmer in 1960, marking one of the most remarkable seasons to start a year in modern golf history.

Continuing his momentum, Scheffler captured The Players Championship twice consecutively in 2023 and 2024, becoming the first golfer ever to claim back-to-back titles at what is considered golf’s unofficial fifth major. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he added an individual gold medal to his achievements and concluded the year by winning the inaugural FedExCup at East Lake Golf Club.

This current season has already seen Scheffler win four tournaments, including The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, PGA Championship, Memorial Tournament, and Open Championship. Notably, he joined Tiger Woods as one of the only players to win the Open Championship while holding the world No. 1 ranking.

The Impact of Scheffler’s Career and What Lies Ahead

Scottie Scheffler’s journey from a dominant junior player in Northern Texas to the top of the professional golf world exemplifies dedication and consistent improvement. His ability to maintain peak performance during key tournaments highlights his standing among golf’s elite. As the FedExCup playoffs draw near, fans and competitors alike will watch closely to see if Scheffler can extend his string of success.

His humorous recollection about not paying for rounds of golf adds a humanizing contrast to his high-profile career, reminding fans that even top athletes have relatable, lighthearted moments off the course.