Quote

“I would say my greatest priorities are my faith and my family. Those come first for me. Golf is third in that order. I've said it for a long time, golf is not how I identify myself.”

Scottie Scheffler

Real Life

Scottie Scheffler grew up in Texas, swinging plastic clubs as a toddler before turning into an outstanding junior golfer. His talent carried him to the University of Texas, then onto the PGA Tour. In 2022, at just 25 years old, he rose to World No. 1 and claimed his first major title at the Masters Tournament, where he spoke openly about his faith in Christ as he received the green jacket (a significant gift awarded to the champion). Since then, he’s added multiple PGA Tour victories and cemented himself as one of golf’s most consistent, calm competitors. When people ask what makes him different. His answer points not to himself but to his faith.

What makes Scottie Scheffler remarkable isn’t just his rise to World No. 1, it’s his understanding of identity and purpose. Even at the height of his career, he remains grounded in faith, saying, “My identity isn’t a golf score. I’m a faithful man who loves God.” This perspective is reinforced daily, with his wife Meredith reminding him: “God is in control, and your value doesn’t change if you win or lose.” For Scheffler, these words guide how he handles the pressures of professional sport.

When Scheffler steps onto the course for major competitions, the spotlight is intense, and the stakes are high. Yet he plays with peace and freedom, knowing that golf is not ultimate, Christ is. His victories and titles are meaningful, but they don’t define him. Even as rankings rise and fall, his relationship with God remains steady, allowing him to navigate life and sport with humility, focus, and joy.

We all chase “green jackets” in our own ways - success at work, recognition, achievements in sport. These things can be good, but they can never carry the weight of our identity. Like Scheffler, we’re called to set our minds on things above. When Christ is our anchor, we can face pressure-filled moments with freedom, knowing our worth doesn’t depend on performance.

Take time to ask yourself:

• What “green jacket” are you chasing that you’ve let define your identity?
• How might your work, sport, or studies look different if you truly trusted God is in control of the outcome?
• What practices help you daily to “set your mind on things above”?

When you reflect on these questions, let them guide your perspective. Consider how your identity might shift if it wasn’t rooted in accomplishments or the approval of others, but in the unchanging love of God. Like Scheffler, you can find peace and confidence in knowing that your worth is secure, no matter the outcome of any challenge or competition. 

Bible Verse

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:2

Prayer

Lord, thank You that my worth is not measured by achievements or recognition, but by Your love. Help me to keep my eyes on You, trust Your guidance, and find peace in every challenge. Teach me to live with confidence, humility, and joy, knowing that my identity is secure in Christ.

Author: Michaela Jameson  |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley