Scottie Scheffler, who was a guest at the pre-tournament celebrations for the 105th PGA Championship in Rochester, New York, on Tuesday, gave a few stock answers about the fairness and manageability of Donald Ross’ design.
What’s not to love about Oak Hill, you ask? This is the fourth major that Oak Hill has hosted. The last time was just 10 years ago. Only Southern Hills has hosted the event more than five times, where Justin Thomas won in 2022.
Scheffler, who plays the East Course of Oak Hill, said, “I like the fact that there are so many opportunities. You get rewarded for hitting good shots.” When you hit it straight in the fairway the fairways will be firm, and the ball will run out. If the hole is only 500 yards away, you still need to have a club that can be used for scoring, such as a 7 or 8 iron.
While his first impressions of the course are positive, the six-time PGA Tour champion’s previous memories of the area as a entire may not be as fond.
Scottie Scheffler hit onto a green at Oak Hill Country Club during a practice session of the PGA Championship. Adam Cairns – USA TODAY Sports
Scheffler, while playing for the University of Texas in Austin, made a trip from there to Rochester, to compete at the Monroe Invitational. This amateur event is held at Monroe Golf Club, just a few minutes to the south-east of Oak Hill.
Over the years, the Monroe has crowned many big names as champions. Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley won the title in 1976. Other winners include PGA Tour players Jeff Sluman (in 1981), Chris DiMarco (in 1988), D.J. Trahan (2002). Dustin Johnson (2007). Taylor Pendrith (2014.
Scheffler shared a room with Gavin Hall in Austin. Hall was originally from Rochester and invited Scheffler to Western New York to attend the 2016 Monroe. The weather there can be unpredictable.
Scheffler stated, “We came to his house and stayed there.” “I had a big crick on my neck, and it was very cold and I played in the first round.”
I never withdraw. I’ll limp on. I’ll finish.
I am a competitor.
“But my father… he’s here. He ended up calling my trainer, and Randy Smith called me and said, yep, you need to come home and be mature. The temperature was 50 degrees and the wind was blowing 20. I had the U.S. Open the following week. “I listened to Randy.”
Scheffler says it’s the first time he has ever withdrawn from a event.
“I played only one round. Scheffler stated that it was a short trip to the area. “I hope this tournament will last a bit longer than just one round.”
Scheffler’s recent trend does not suggest that his second stint in Western New York is going to be short. The Dallas native was in the top 12 at all 13 of his events over the last year, and has already won the WM Phoenix Open as well as the Players Championship.
He’s hoping to add another major to his 2022 Masters win, in order to make up for the one appearance he failed to make.
He said, “There is never any pressure in a golf event.” “I believe the majors, with all of the history and the things that go on here, always have a slightly different feeling. It’s thrilling for me, as a golfer. It’s thrilling to play in a tournament with so much history and great champions.
It’s something I grew up with. “For me, showing up to the majors has always been a lot fun.”
