Scottie Scheffler takes first crack at Masters Tournament

Scottie Scheffler won a gold jacket at the Junior Invitational at nearby Sage Valley Golf Club in 2014. Now he has a green one in his sights.

One of eight rookies to qualify for the 2020 FedEx Cup Playoffs, he used strong finishes in the WGC-Mexico and the Arnold Palmer Invitational to secure his top-50 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings before March 15 and qualify for the Masters Tournament for the first time.

“It was something that was definitely on my mind at that point in the year,” he said. “Obviously, you want to be playing in the majors. I tried my best to block it out when I was in competition and stuff, but it was definitely on my mind. It was nice to be able to get into the top 50 beforehand and earn my way into this event. I'm just happy to be here.”

Photos: Tuesday Masters Practice

The 24-year-old landed in Augusta late Sunday night after tying for 32nd at the Houston Open. He’s using the early part of the week to feel out the course.

“I don't really place too many expectations this early in the week. I'm going to get today, see the course, see how it's playing, and go from there,” Scheffler said. “Obviously, the goal is to come here to win. I didn't just come here to show up and have fun. It's a golf tournament. I'm here to do the best I can and hopefully win, and that's how I'll approach everything from here.”

He has played Augusta National Golf Club five times, once during his college days at the University of Texas. While he’s no stranger to the course, he’s excited to see what it plays like in tournament conditions.

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He tied for fourth at the PGA Championship at TPC Harding in August, three shots behind winner Collin Morikawa. Scheffler shot 65-68 over the final two days and said his game translates well to tough, championship conditions.

“I think my game suits the major championship courses a little better than it suits the regular Tour courses, especially a U.S. Open type golf course where the greens are really firm and fast and the fairways are really tight,” he said. “I think the approach on this golf course will suit my game as well, just being able to hit it high and shape the ball different ways is something that's really important out here.”