Some people take years to figure out what they love, while others know pretty early on. For Scottie Scheffler, it was at just 3 years old. His parents gave him a set of plastic clubs and a ball, and that was it — he was hooked. Who would’ve thought that little kid would grow up to be the No. 1 golfer in the world?

When they lived in New Jersey, Scheffler would constantly ask his dad to take him to the 9W Driving Range near the Hudson River. But when they moved to Dallas, things really started to pick up. His parents borrowed $50,000 to join Royal Oaks Country Club, where Scheffler worked with instructor Randy Smith. While he was learning to fine-tune his game, someone else was taking notice and getting really impressed.

In a recent appearance on Golf.com’s Warming Up series, golf legend Lee Trevino shared his first encounter with Scheffler. “Scottie came to Dallas. He was eight years old from New Jersey and his dad was looking for a club for him and he found Royal Oaks on Greenville Avenue. I was there. I’ve been a member there since 1970.” It was here that Trevino first witnessed Scheffler’s raw talent.

At just eight years old, Trevino could already see something special. In fact, he gave Scheffler one of the highest compliments a golfer could receive. Having played alongside Jack Nicklaus, Trevino had seen some of the best, but what he witnessed from Scottie blew him away. “I watched him hit. I was up close to him. I’ve never seen anybody hit a golf ball like that,” Trevino shared. “I’ve played with Nicklaus my whole life. Nobody ever hit a ball like this guy. That’s unbelievable. God almighty, he took that 8-iron, and he hit that, from here to that red flag over there. I’ve never seen anybody hit big like that.”

When you’re being compared to someone like Jack Nicklaus — the legend who holds a record 18 major championships — that’s a huge deal. And sure enough, Scottie lived up to that early hype. His current World No. 1 ranking speaks for itself, and his 2024 season has been nothing short of remarkable. He claimed seven PGA Tour titles, including his second major at the Masters, and even brought home a gold medal in the men’s individual golf event at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

So, if Scottie keeps up this momentum, there’s no doubt he could become as legendary as Nicklaus himself.

Scottie Scheffler was always certain of becoming a golfer

Scheffler didn’t just fall into golf — he was practically born for it. From the age of 8, he wasn’t just playing for fun; he had a purpose. And as his first move for the game, he knew exactly how a golfer should dress — and it definitely didn’t include shorts.

Lee Trevino remembers watching Scheffler as a young kid at Royal Oaks Country Club. While most kids were in casual shorts, Scheffler showed up in long pants. When Trevino asked why, young Scottie simply replied, “Because I’m going to be a pro someday and pros don’t wear shorts.”

You see, it’s that attitude that’s set him apart since day one. As for his current game, you might have missed him at the start of the season, but don’t worry, he’ll be back soon, taking on the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. As for his injury? He’s been hitting the gym and getting ready, so don’t expect him to slow down anytime soon.