Tom Brady questions Scottie Scheffler prioritizing family over golf

Scottie Scheffler recently admitted family is his priority, even more than golf, and Tom Brady wants to know why?

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Open Championship from Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland earlier this month, Scheffler opened up about valuing his importance as a father and husband more than being the world’s best golfer. Scheffler said he puts all of this work in to be great at golf, for what amounts to just minutes of satisfaction after winning a tournament before life goes on.

“This is not a fulfilling life,” Scheffler said. “It’s fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart…That’s why I talk about family being my priority because it really is. I’m blessed to be able to come out here and play golf, but if my golf ever started affecting my home life or it ever affected the relationship I have with my wife or my son, that’s going to be the last day that I play out here for a living.”

Like Scheffler, Brady similarly had to balance being a parent and husband while also attempting to be the best at his sport during much of his NFL career. And in his latest newsletter, Brady questioned why Scheffler feels the need to prioritize one over the other.

Brady wrote that he places each priority of life into a pyramid, putting himself at the top, followed by his partner, children, work, extended family, friends, hobbies, and the greater community. According to Brady, the key is knowing when one priority should take precedence over the other.

“Scottie said he’d rather be a better father and husband than a good golfer. And my question is: why are those mutually exclusive?” Brady asked. “Sure, they’re different blocks on the pyramid, but they’re part of the same pyramid. They’re connected!

“For instance, I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family. I chose to do it by playing football. My dedication to the sport, the hours of practice, the moments when I was laser focused—those were times when I believe I was doing the best possible thing for my family and my kids, by prioritizing my profession and teaching, by example, what it takes to be really good at your job, what it takes to follow through on commitments, what it takes to be a great teammate; and showing them, also by example, that work is a big part of all of our lives.”

Brady went on to explain that your kids pay attention to everything. And for Brady, the way he became a great football player and the work he put in to get better is able to serve as a positive role model for his children.

As it pertains to Scheffler, it seems like he is doing just fine in making sure his priorities are in order. It would be one thing if Scheffler questioned the fulfillment he gets from golf and then missed the cut. But he got behind a microphone and told everyone he cares more about his family than golf, and proceeded to go out and win the Open Championship. Maybe for Scheffler, reminding himself that the most important aspects of his life are at home, is freeing when he’s on the golf course.