The Winning Combination: How Humility and Grandma's Chocolate Pie Propel Scottie Scheffler to the Top
Discover how Scottie Scheffler defies the proverb 'you can't have your cake and eat it' by embracing both success and humility, with a sprinkle of Grandma's chocolate pie charm.
Scottie Scheffler is living proof that you can have your cake and eat it, despite what the proverb says. He returns to TPC Sawgrass aiming to make history as the first player to retain The Players Championship, known as golf's unofficial "fifth major."
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts after making birdie on the 15th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 10, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Getty Images)
Scottie Scheffler, representing the United States, shows his excitement after scoring a birdie on the 15th hole at the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course in Orlando, Florida. The moment was captured during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard on March 10, 2024. The image reflects the passion and skill of the players competing in the event.
Brennan Asplen/Getty Images
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Scottie Scheffler dominated the Arnold Palmer Invitational, showcasing his impressive putting skills on Sunday. The 27-year-old secured a five-stroke victory, breaking his one-year winless streak on the PGA Tour. Despite his recent drought, Scheffler has maintained his position as the world No. 1 since last May.
His seventh PGA Tour victory came almost exactly a year after his last win at TPC Sawgrass, both by a five-stroke lead. Despite this impressive feat, the largest margin of victory at the event since 2006 was overshadowed by an unexpected source – the champion's grandmother.
At 88 years old, Mary Delorenzo followed her grandson every step of the way through all 72 holes, unknowingly becoming an internet sensation along with Scheffler.
Scheffler told CNN Sport’s Don Riddell that he and his grandma are not into social media. They recently discovered that she went viral, though they're not quite sure what that means.
He mentioned how impressive it was to see his grandma, at her age, going viral. She was casually moving around, probably sitting down less than he would if he was watching golf.
Scottie Scheffler and his grandmother.
Scottie Scheffler and his grandmother.
Chris Condon/PGA TOUR
In his winner’s press conference, the victor had laid out his celebratory plans: tucking into dessert at Grandma’s house, just a 20-minute trip away from the venue.
As the grandson of the famous "queen of desserts," Scheffler has always had many options to choose from. However, there is one favorite that stands above the rest. The world No. 1 has a special love for his grandmother's chocolate cream pie.
Recently, the head chef at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse prepared his own version of the pie for Scheffler and his family. While Scheffler enjoyed the chef's creation, he still believes that nothing can compare to his grandmother's original recipe.
"It's like Grandma's magic touch," he mentioned.
"Whenever I visit her house, it's like a guarantee that I'll end up gaining a few extra pounds. I always joke with her to give me smaller slices of pie, but somehow the pie just keeps growing. It's a mystery to me."
Matt Voskuil presents the duo with his interpretation of Delorenzo's chocolate cream pie.
Matt Voskuil presents the duo with his interpretation of Delorenzo's chocolate cream pie.
Chris Condon/PGA TOUR
‘I feel like I live two separate lives’
Scheffler also enjoys a different type of pie - the simple kind.
Staying humble may appear difficult for Scheffler, who has been named PGA Tour Player of the Year two years in a row. He is known for his consistency, with 17 top-10 finishes in 27 events last season. It is almost anticipated for him to perform well on any given Sunday.
For golfer Scottie Scheffler, achieving a high level of excellence has been a rare feat since the days of Tiger Woods dominating the circuit in the 2000s. Despite only aiming to make it onto the PGA Tour, he has always been able to avoid becoming overly focused on results.
"It was simply my dream to play golf professionally and make a living out of it," Scheffler shared.
I always remind myself to stay focused on the present and keep improving little by little, rather than getting too caught up in past victories.
In golf, it's common to experience both wins and losses. Even the best players, like Tiger Woods, didn't win every tournament they entered. It's a sport where you have to stay humble and keep working hard, regardless of the outcome of each event.
“Golf does a good job of keeping you humble and motivated.”
Scheffler laughs with tournament host Woods after winning the Hero World Challenge - an unofficial event on the PGA Tour - in December.
Scheffler laughs with tournament host Woods after winning the Hero World Challenge - an unofficial event on the PGA Tour - in December.
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Money can also pose a challenge to staying grounded, but Scheffler's steady performance has helped him earn a lot. He recently won $4 million at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, bringing his total PGA Tour career earnings to over $49 million. This achievement has placed him among the top-17 earners of all time, despite only being in his fifth year on the circuit.
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She found her dream home on one of the world’s most famous golf courses
In 2022, the University of Texas alumni was still driving the Chevrolet Suburban that his father gave him back in college, with the car having traveled 175,000 miles.
When asked about his most extravagant purchase, Scheffler mentions his home in Dallas, where he lives with his wife Meredith.
He mentioned that his house may not be extravagant, but it is definitely the most expensive purchase he has made.
He feels like he lives two separate lives. When he is on the road playing golf in front of crowds and doing interviews, it feels different from when he is back home where golf is not as popular compared to being a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
“So living life around home is pretty easy for us. Not much has really changed on the home front. But out here, yeah, things have changed a significant amount.”
Editor's P/S:
Scottie Scheffler's remarkable achievements, including his historic win at The Players Championship, are a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Despite his success, Scheffler remains humble and grounded, recognizing the importance of staying present and focused on his craft. He also values the support of his family, particularly his grandmother, whose chocolate cream pie has become a symbol of his sweet success.
Scheffler's journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that it is possible to achieve great things while maintaining a sense of balance and gratitude. His ability to separate his professional life from his personal life is a valuable lesson, demonstrating that true success extends beyond accolades and financial rewards. Ultimately, Scheffler's story is a reminder that with hard work, perseverance, and a strong support system, it is possible to have your cake and eat it too.
