Scheffler looks primed for rare Masters double

There are plenty of perks that come from being the reigning Masters champion. This year, the focus is on Scottie Scheffler, who claimed his first major title at the 2022 Masters. Only three players have ever won two straight Masters, and what a group it is. Jack Nicklaus. Nick Faldo. Tiger Woods.

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April 5, 2023 - 1:08 PM

Scottie Scheffler hits out of the bunker on the 10th green during the practice round for the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Augusta, Ga. Jason Getz / [email protected])

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — There are plenty of perks that come from being the reigning Masters champion.

You have a year to don that cherished green jacket wherever you want. You can nab a tee time at Augusta National without any hassles. You get to select the menu for the champions dinner.

And getting to do it all over again?

Well, that’s a truly exclusive club.

Every year, the previous winner is sure to be reminded that only three players have ever won two straight Masters.

What a group it is.

Jack Nicklaus. Nick Faldo. Tiger Woods.

It was no different Tuesday for Scottie Scheffler, the latest player with a chance to join that illustrious trio.

The second question — and several others that followed — focused on what it would mean to go back to back.

“Any time you can get mentioned in the same breath as a Tiger and a Jack and a Nick Faldo is really special,” Scheffler said.

But, he was quick to add, “It’s not a motivating factor for me.”

Scheffler knows it’s tough enough to put together two straight shots that go where you want, so the odds of syncing up four stellar rounds at Augusta National — then four more a year later — are steep indeed.

That said, the 26-year-old Texan is the betting favorite — along with Rory McIlroy, according to FanDuel Sportsbook — as he sets his sights on another green jacket.

With good reason.

Scheffler is ranked No. 1 in the world. He’s already got a pair of victories this year. He’s finished inside the top 12 of his last nine events.

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