Scottie Scheffler Prioritizes BMW Championship Over Ryder Cup Talks

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top golfer, is laser-focused on the upcoming BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, and is not inclined to discuss the Ryder Cup scheduled for late September. After facing multiple questions about the Ryder Cup during a press conference on Wednesday, Scheffler expressed his frustration, stating, “I love answering questions about the Ryder Cup, but this is ridiculous. We’re at the BMW Championship. The Ryder Cup is over a month away.”

This determination to prioritize the present stems from the importance of this week’s tournament. The BMW Championship, taking place from August 24-27, 2023, is the last opportunity for PGA Tour players to secure valuable Ryder Cup ranking points. Currently, Scheffler has secured his spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, which will compete against Team Europe at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, from September 26-28, 2023. There are still three automatic spots available, with Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, and Xander Schauffele currently in the top six.

While addressing the media, Scheffler also spoke about his caddie situation. His regular caddie, Ted Scott, had to leave the FedEx St. Jude Championship last week due to a family emergency. Scheffler remarked, “Ted’s where he needs to be right now, and I think caddying is probably the last thing on his mind, as it should be.” In Scott’s absence, Tour chaplain Brad Payne filled in for the final day of the tournament, and this week, Scheffler will be accompanied by Michael Cromie, who usually caddies for Chris Kirk. Kirk, who did not qualify for the BMW Championship, allowed Cromie to assist Scheffler this week.

As questions turned back to the Ryder Cup, Scheffler maintained focus on the current tournament, suggesting reporters ask U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley about his potential involvement as a player. He praised Bradley’s leadership, noting, “The intensity that he’s brought as a captain—he has definitely exceeded my expectations.”

Scheffler highlighted Bradley’s proactive approach, explaining, “He’s left notes in players’ lockers, sent a lot of text messages, and asked for feedback about potential team members.” He emphasized that while the players engage in discussions, Bradley is the one conducting the necessary research to finalize the team.

At just 29 years old, Scheffler is closing in on what has been an impressive season, marked by his victories at the PGA Championship and the Open Championship. Last year, he finished tied for 33rd at the BMW Championship before emerging victorious at the season-ending Tour Championship.

As the BMW Championship unfolds, Scheffler’s commitment to this tournament is evident, underscoring his determination to secure further achievements before the Ryder Cup.