Augusta, Ga. — Scotty Schaeffler is coming to Augusta National this week to join Jack Nicklaus as the only player to win three masters in four years.
He had to settle for a fourth-place finish.
World No. 1 and pre-tournament favourite Schaeffler shot a 3-under 69 on Sunday, finishing with an 8-under 280 in the week when he never managed to regain the Mojo that led to the title at Augusta National in 2022 and 2024.
However, he was encouraged by his play and left.
“It was a simple week to see how I was playing, how I was swinging, how I was watching it,” Schaeffler said. “I was proud of the way we hanged out there and had a good fight. There are a few different things happening today and there may be a chance in the tournament. I wasn’t too far.”
Schaeffler, who hasn’t won the PGA Tour this year, said it’s “what to build.”
For a while, it seemed that ultimate champion Rory McIlroy had opened Schaeffler’s door.
Schaeffler had two shots, but managed pars only on each of the last four holes.
“It felt like I had to birdie the last three holes,” Schaeffler said. “It definitely hurts not to make birdies at 15. But overall, the 12 bogeys retreated me a bit. But I bounced quickly at 13 and 14 with birdies. Today I felt like I bounced really well.
“I think this was mentally awesome all year round. I don’t think my game was there.”