Scottie Schefflers focus on present and not past Masters success with piece of history in sight

AUGUSTA, Ga.— Scottie Scheffler insists he doesn’t pay any attention to what he did the at the Masters three years ago … or last year for that matter.As far as Scheffler is concerned, he’ll enter this week’s 89th Masters not as the defending champion.Or the No.

1 ranked player in the world.Or as someone who’s won two of the past three Masters.Or someone trying to do something only Jack Nicklaus has done: win three Masters in a span of four years.“I really try not to look too much into the past [and] I try not to look too far into the future,’’ the 28-year-old Scheffler said Tuesday.“I just like to stay in the present and just go one week at a time.

When I tee it up on Thursday, I start the tournament even par just like everybody else.“Last year doesn’t have a lot to do with this year, outside of I can go back on some of the experience that I’ve had playing well on this golf course and reflect on that.When I step on there on Thursday, we’re at even par, and it’s a totally new golf tournament.

Last year means nothing.’’Not according to Jon Rahm, the last player to hold the No.1 ranking before Scheffler seized it nearly two years ago.

Rahm marveled at Scheffler’s staying power at the top of the rankings.“It’s always a debate — is it harder to get there or stay there?’’ Rahm said of being No.1.

“And staying there is a lot harder than getting there, I would say.What we’ve seen Scottie do over the last three, four years is quite impressive.

His ball-striking level is outstanding.“Anytime you have a year where you’re being compared to Tiger [Woods] in his prime, I don’t think I need to add anything else to that.Winning nine times, winning majors, winning FedEx Cups and just all-out being the best throughout the season is quite incredible.’’You, of course, would never know Scheffler is impressed or proud of himself for all the accomplishments, though.Perhaps that’s his secret sauce, his superpower.Scheffle...