Scottie Scheffler has insisted he doesn't concern himself with competitors' performances during tournaments, even when stars like Rory McIlroy make significant moves up the leaderboard.
Speaking at the PGA Championship, Scheffler explained: "I think when you're when you're out there competing, I'm really mostly concerned about myself.
"I notice what's going on, but it's not like another sport. Like, if we were playing basketball and he was hitting a bunch of threes in my face, I'd probably have to adjust something because it's more of a one-on-one game."
The American star has moved into strong contention at the PGA Championship, sitting just three shots behind surprise leader Jhonattan Vegas heading into the weekend rounds.
Scottie Scheffler has insisted he doesn't concern himself with competitors' performances during tournaments, even when stars like Rory McIlroy make significant moves up the leaderboard
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Scheffler's steady play has positioned him perfectly for a challenge as the tournament enters its crucial stages.
"But in golf there's 154 other people in the field this week and there's a lot of guys. I think mostly we're competing against the golf course at times, especially the first two rounds," Scheffler said when discussing his approach to tournament play.
Scheffler has already outperformed his biggest rivals during the opening two days, having been grouped with McIlroy and Xander Schauffele in a marquee pairing.
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Scottie Scheffler is three shots off the lead at the PGA Championship
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When questioned if he took notice when the Masters champion McIlroy began making a run that threatened to propel him up the leaderboard, Scheffler remained unfazed.
"I mean, if it was you know late on Sunday and he was making a charge, get three ahead of me, maybe I have to change something. But in the second round, it doesn't really make much of a difference to me," the World No 1 explained.
"If I could play defence, things would change a little bit. I'd be paying a lot more attention.
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"I was a good defensive basketball player in high school. I was our lockdown guy, the hustle guy."
The American then added with characteristic humility: "That's what happens when you don't have a lot of talent. You gotta hustle!"
His comments highlight the fundamental difference between the two sports, with golf requiring focus on one's own performance rather than reacting to opponents.
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When asked if any player's name on the leaderboard would catch his attention, Scheffler had a single exception: "Maybe Tiger [Woods], but just because he's Tiger. Otherwise no."
"Golf is not like other sports because I can't play defence.
Rory McIlroy has struggled for consistency at the PGA Championship so far
REUTERS
"If I'm thinking about what somebody else is doing out there, that's not going to be a good thing for me.
"I'm out there to get the most out of myself and try and beat up on the golf course and, at the end of the day, that's what I'm focused on."
