“Up-and-Coming Golfer Scottie Scheffler Hones Technique with Mentor’s Guidance”
AUGUSTA, Georgia (AP) — A young teenager from Ohio, a college student in Kansas, and a 6-year-old from New Jersey all found themselves in Texas with one common thread: the advice to contact Randy Smith at Royal Oaks for golf coaching.
Scott Scheffler, father of the current Masters champion, shared how he sought out Smith’s expertise for his son when they first moved to Texas. Despite initial skepticism from Smith, the young Scottie’s passion for golf shone through during their first session, leading his parents to join Royal Oaks and kickstart a lifelong partnership.
Since that fateful Mother’s Day visit, Scheffler has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments under Smith’s tutelage, including numerous junior titles, collegiate success at Texas, Masters victories, an Olympic gold medal, and a stint as the world’s top-ranked player. Scheffler credits Smith as the driving force behind his golf career, praising his mentor’s deep understanding of the game.
While Smith has mentored numerous successful players like Justin Leonard, Hunter Mahan, and Gary Woodland, his impact goes beyond individual achievements. With a track record of developing talent from a young age and nurturing them into successful professionals, Smith has earned accolades from the PGA of America and shaped the careers of countless aspiring golfers.
Players like Colt Knost, who moved to Texas on the recommendation of a PGA professional, highlight the significance of Smith’s mentorship in their journeys to the top. Smith’s reputation as a father figure and a pioneering coach in developing young talent has left an indelible mark on the golfing world, shaping the future of the sport for generations to come.
I’m not sure if he even knew Randy, but Randy agreed to meet with me. He transformed me into the player I am today and was the main reason I chose to attend SMU, wanting to stay close to him. Smith, with his West Texas accent and straightforward approach, prioritizes simplicity. He values finding solutions through practical experience rather than relying on technology like Trackman. When Trackman was first introduced, Randy struggled to operate it, often calling for help thinking it was broken.
One of Smith’s noteworthy achievements is the positive environment he has cultivated at Royal Oaks, a club frequented by tour players over the years, many of whom grew up there. The presence of legends like Lee Trevino was common, creating a rich golfing culture where young players, like Scheffler, would observe and learn. Scheffler, emulating tour players, wore long pants in the Texas heat and spent hours practicing and competing with older players in chipping and putting contests.
Described as a sponge and a workaholic, Scheffler absorbed knowledge and put in the effort required to succeed, traits that Smith valued. Smith’s coaching style emphasized self-motivation, rewarding those willing to put in the work with further guidance. Having learned from renowned golf instructors, Smith became head pro at Royal Oaks and passed on his wisdom to budding talents like Justin Leonard, who later achieved success on the professional circuit.
Despite his humility, Smith takes pride in the accomplishments of the young golfers who earned college scholarships under his guidance. However, the emotional embrace with Scheffler after his Masters victory and the warm reception Leonard received upon returning with the British Open trophy hold special significance for Smith. Reflecting on his journey, Smith acknowledges the fortuitous timing and the supportive community at Royal Oaks that played a pivotal role in his coaching career.
