Scottie Scheffler`s remarkable golf performance is deeply rooted in his commitment to fitness and training beyond the golf course. Even unusual shots, like the one he faced at Torrey Pines, highlight his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
During the Genesis Invitational, Scheffler encountered a challenging lie in a fairway bunker. Instead of just getting the ball out, he aimed to get it close to the green. His unorthodox stance and swing resulted in him losing his footing, but he executed the shot perfectly, landing the ball near the green and saving par.
`In those situations, you have to adopt a strange stance and swing to get the ball where you need it,` Scheffler explained. `Sometimes, I manage to pull it off.`
This incident offers a glimpse into the often-overlooked aspect of Scheffler`s game. Beyond his exceptional ball-striking and distinctive swing, his success is built upon a strong foundation of physical fitness. This commitment to training has been crucial in unlocking his peak performance over the last few years.
`Initially, he wasn`t a gym enthusiast,` revealed Dr. Troy Van Biezen, Scheffler’s performance coach. `It took a couple of wake-up calls in college for him to realize the importance of off-course work for injury prevention and high-level competition.`
Last year was phenomenal for Scheffler, marked by a Masters victory and seven other tournament wins. Despite a minor setback this year with hand surgery, Scheffler remains focused on his process as he pursues his third Masters title. This process emphasizes the elements he can control, especially his preparation before even stepping onto the first tee.
`In golf, external factors are uncontrollable,` Van Biezen stated. `However, we can manage fitness levels and ensure complete control over that aspect.`
Dr. Van Biezen recalls working with a young, 14-year-old Scheffler. Like many young golfers experiencing back pain during growth spurts, Scheffler`s physical development from high school to college was a significant point in his early career.
`Rapid growth can cause imbalances and asymmetries,` Van Biezen explained. `Golf`s repetitive motions can exacerbate these issues, leading to pain and injuries. Scottie`s rapid growth resulted in decreased flexibility.`
Van Biezen, currently with the Dallas Stars, focuses on addressing these physical weaknesses through mobility, stability, and strength training. His past work with Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods reinforced his training approach.
`Coming from hockey, I`ve always valued strong legs,` Van Biezen noted. `Tiger Woods emphasized the importance of maintaining peak physical and mental strength throughout tournaments.`
Scheffler`s physical changes during his freshman year at Texas impacted his performance. Van Biezen collaborated with Scheffler`s coaches to address these challenges, helping him regain his form as a top amateur.
Despite Korn Ferry Tour wins and earning his PGA Tour card for 2020, Scheffler struggled with consistency and closing out tournaments. Van Biezen identified a crucial area for improvement: cardiovascular fitness.
`Cardiovascularly, he wasn`t where he needed to be to secure wins on Sundays,` Van Biezen said.
The solution was an intense offseason training program in 2021, focusing on strength, flexibility, power, and especially endurance.
`We incorporated metabolic training and high-intensity workouts to push his limits,` Van Biezen detailed. `The aim was to build the stamina needed to finish strong, particularly in major tournaments.`
While fitness isn`t the only factor, it became a significant advantage for Scheffler. His improved fitness, combined with tour experience, elevated his game. He has won all but one of the PGA Tour events where he held a 54-hole lead since 2024 (excluding the Tour Championship).
`I`ve eliminated many of the aches and pains from my college days,` Scheffler mentioned regarding his fitness program, GolfForever. `My body feels healthy now, but it was a gradual process to achieve balance and build muscle.`
Scheffler isn`t focused on maximizing power but on efficient body movement to prevent pain and enhance his swing.
`Proper hip rotation allows for better loading and power transfer,` Scheffler explained. `Without gym work, I couldn`t maintain my body`s condition over the past decade.`
Training sessions with fellow golfers Tom Kim and Ryan Palmer in Dallas often include challenges like rowing sprints, tapping into Scheffler`s competitive nature.
`Scottie enjoys gym banter,` Van Biezen shared. `He and Tom push each other in workouts, creating a competitive environment.`
Van Biezen quickly realized that competition motivates Scheffler`s training.
Now, Van Biezen and his team can identify subtle signs indicating when Scheffler isn`t properly engaging his right side, leading to swing issues. Coach Randy Smith also watches for these patterns and communicates with Van Biezen to provide remote support.
`I started with him from the ground up,` Van Biezen said. `I understand his body mechanics and tailor gym exercises to correct movements and activate specific muscle groups.`
Simple mobility exercises focusing on hip rotation can make a significant difference, improving ball-striking consistency and potentially turning a good week into a winning one.
Scheffler is inquisitive and actively seeks to understand the purpose behind his training. His success has solidified his belief in Van Biezen`s performance philosophy. Scheffler has even incorporated cold plunges, red light therapy, and compression boots into his recovery routine.
`Everyone is drawn to power and speed, but the key is consistency in the fundamentals,` Van Biezen emphasized. `Scottie understands the importance of daily mobility and stability work.`
During tournament weeks, Scheffler follows a structured routine: heavy lifting on Mondays, functional mobility on Tuesdays, and no extra workouts on Wednesdays. Pre-round mobility routines are adjusted based on tee times and individual needs.
`The body is dynamic and constantly changing,` Van Biezen noted. `We adapt the routine weekly based on his condition.`
Nutrition is another crucial aspect of Scheffler`s optimization, supported by his wife, Meredith.
`Meredith is very health-conscious,` Van Biezen said. `She ensures he maintains a healthy diet, reinforcing my nutritional guidance.`
While generally eating well, Scheffler`s occasional indulgence is pizza. Van Biezen humorously added, `We compromise on his pizza intake.`
