Scottie Scheffler was in a laughing mood ahead of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, joking he would leave Bubba Watson at a separate table at his Masters Champions Dinner in April but did admit the chasm between the PGA Tour and LIV has created a strange atmosphere in the world of golf.
The World Number Two joined compatriot Patrick Cantlay in reaffirming his commitment to the PGA Tour for the foreseeable future.
“I haven’t seen many of the LIV guys. I saw Bubba on vacation this year, and I told him that I was just going to have a separate table for him in the corner by himself (laughing)… only kidding, obviously,” explained Scheffler when talking about hosting the Champions Dinner.
“In the world of golf, I think it’s definitely a little sad what’s happening. It’s kind of weird this week. I get to my locker, and my locker’s next to Cam Smith’s locker, because he’s a past champ here, and he’s not here. So it’s a little strange, but golf will move on. I think this stuff just takes time. Things will heal and we’ll see what happens.
“All that stuff is not really for me. I can only show up and just try and play good golf, and I’m not going to LIV anytime soon and so it’s not of a concern for me at the moment.”
Last month it was confirmed that LIV rebels would be allowed to compete in the Masters this year where Scheffler will be defending his title while also hosting the likes of Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson at the annual Champions Dinner at Augusta.
The Texas native hopes that differences can be put aside at the major championships this year.
“Yeah and that makes sense,” he said. “I think there’s so many history with the game and the PGA Tour and Augusta. I think for a few weeks a year we can put all that aside, especially with Augusta National being such a special place and with the history of the game and whatnot.
“I think we can put all our stuff aside and just get together for a fun meal, all in a room together and just kind of celebrate the game of golf and Augusta National and just hang out.”
54-hole no cut events aren’t on the agenda for Scheffler this year at least as he prepares to tee it up at the first of seventeen elevated events on the PGA Tour.
12 months ago the 26-year-old was winless on the PGA Tour then he embarked on a dominant spree of victories which culminated in a rapid ascent to world number one, only for Rory McIlroy to steal his thunder at the TOUR Championship and later leapfrog Scheffler to the summit of the world rankings at the CJ Cup.
Scheffler undoubtedly wounded by the way his year ended is raring to lock horns with Rory again this year.
“I just want the Tour to be the best thing possible,” he explained. “The best product, best for the fans and the best tournaments. So I believe that the more often we can get the best players together playing against each other and it’s going to be a lot of fun.
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