Scottie Scheffler has never lacked focus when it comes to his professional golf career.
However, in his lighter moments away from the game, he was asked to consider an entirely different sport.
The world’s No. 1 player was asked a hypothetical question: If he had to make a basketball team, which PGA Tour players would he choose.
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His answers revealed both his sporting interests and which of his peers he believed would be best suited to perform on the field.
Scottie Scheffler reveals his PGA Tour basketball starting five
Scheffler didn’t hesitate when explaining how he would build his roster.
“I think the starting five has to start with Gary Woodland. He played college basketball, so it’s an opportunity that’s hard to pass up,” Scheffler said during a press conference at the WM Phoenix Open.
Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images
“Russell Henry is going to be our point guard. I think Jacob Bridgeman is going to be in the lineup. He’s still playing a couple of games a week, so he’s going to stay fresh. He’s probably the only one that’s going to be fresh for us.
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“I think Tony Finau is going to be a big name on our team, and then I put myself in the lineup because I love basketball. I can’t sit at the free throw line and watch those guys play. I think we’re going to do a good job.”
Scheffler’s selection reflects proven athletic background, size and familiarity with the game rather than simply picking the biggest name on the tour.
Why Gary Woodland could be the star basketball player on Scheffler’s roster
Scheffler’s decision to build his team around Gary Woodland was rooted in true athletic pedigree.
Before becoming a PGA Tour winner and a major champion, Woodland was a standout basketball player.
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After high school, Woodland attended Washburn University in Topeka on a basketball scholarship.
That basketball foundation separates Woodland from most golfers and explains why Scheffler views him as a natural first choice.
Few players on the PGA Tour can match his experience competing at a high level in another major sport.
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