Iron Sharpens Iron: What Business Leaders Can Learn From Scottie Scheffler's Relentless Greatness

Forbes

3 days ago

DUBLIN, OHIO - JUNE 01: Jack Nicklaus presents Scottie Scheffler of the United States with the ... More trophy after Scheffler won the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by)
Just as iron sharpens iron, the greatest champions grow by learning from other greats. That truth was on full display this past weekend at the Memorial Tournament, where Scottie Scheffler didn't just win — he made a statement. With golfing GOAT Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear himself, watching closely, Scheffler seized the lead on Saturday and never let go, winning the Memorial for the second year in a row.
For business leaders, Scheffler's performance wasn't just about birdies and scorecards. It was a reminder of the importance of discipline, continuous improvement, and surrounding yourself with excellence.
Held in the heart of Nicklaus country — just outside Columbus, Ohio — the Memorial honors the game's most decorated player. Nicklaus has more major championships than any golfer in history, and when he says a young player reminds him of himself, we should all pay attention.
'Once I got myself into position to win, then you've got to be smart about how you finish it,' Nicklaus told ESPN. 'And that's the way [Scottie's]
Let that sink in. The Golden Bear, whose legacy spans decades and whose consistency was unmatched, sees a reflection of himself in the 28-year-old Texan.
DUBLIN, OHIO - MAY 31: Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the second hole during ... More the third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 31, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by)
Scheffler, who already owns 21 professional victories, is playing with the kind of relentless, detail-oriented approach that builds dynasties, not just hot streaks. Last month he captured the PGA Championship. Later this month is the U.S. Open. If he wins, it will be his fourth major title and place him among rare company in golf history.
In fact, Scheffler just became the first golfer since the 1940s — alongside legends like Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead — to win three PGA events in consecutive seasons by four shots or more. He's also the first player since Tiger Woods to defend his title at the Memorial. That's not just winning — that's living in the rare air of champions.
Ask anyone in business who's built something lasting — a company, a culture, a brand — and they'll tell you success doesn't come from chance. It comes from showing up prepared, hungry, and never satisfied.
DUBLIN, OHIO - MAY 31: Sepp Straka of Austria reacts after making par on the 17th green during the ... More third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 31, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by)
Just ask Sepp Straka, who finished the Memorial in third place, five shots back of Scheffler. His words offer a leadership lesson in themselves.
'You know Scottie's probably going to play a good round of golf,' Straka told ESPN. 'The guy's relentless. He loves competition, and he doesn't like giving up shots.'
That's a mindset any CEO, entrepreneur, or leader can adopt. Be relentless. Love the game. Hate giving away an inch.
Even the technical details of Scheffler's swing reveal a deep connection to the past. He learned to hold the club with an interlocking grip — the same one Nicklaus used. And he was mentored early on by six-time major winner Lee Trevino, who saw greatness in him from a young age.
'He always had long pants as a little junior,' Trevino said about Scheffler. 'We asked him, 'Why aren't you wearing shorts?' And he said, 'Because I'm going to be a pro someday, and pros don't wear shorts.' I'm telling you, I've never seen anybody hit a golf ball like that, even as a little kid.'
Perhaps the most impressive part of Scheffler's ascent is his constant desire to grow. Even as the No. 1 golfer in the world, he's still learning. He recently told Sports Illustrated that he studies Sam Burns to sharpen his putting, watches Jordan Spieth for creativity, learns from Jon Rahm's passion, draws fire from Tiger Woods' competitiveness, and emulates Rory McIlroy's legendary driving skills.
'I think in our game, there's always little things that I look at in people's games that I can improve on,' Scheffler said. 'You look at a guy like Rory — you'd be hard-pressed to find anybody that has driven the ball better than he has in the history of the game.'
This is how champions think. They don't rest on what they've achieved. Instead, they look at those around them and ask, 'What can I learn from them?'
In the business world, this same principle applies. One of the most valuable insights shared by Forbes contributor and financial expert Bobby Hoyt is that the most successful people intentionally surround themselves with other successful people.
'Being near successful people naturally happens as you become successful,' Hoyt noted 'But you can take advantage of conferences and networking events in the beginning. And don't forget about podcasts, articles, and books! It's about steeping yourself in that world.'
Whether on the course or in the boardroom, being in the right rooms changes everything. It shapes how you think, how you talk, and what you believe is possible. The best leaders know that learning is a lifestyle, not a phase.
Back at the Memorial, Nicklaus summarized Scheffler's performance the way only a legend could. 'Scottie, he didn't play — for him — spectacular golf. He played what he should do. He played good, solid, smart golf,' Nicklaus said. 'That's what the best player in the world does.'
DUBLIN, OHIO - JUNE 01: Scottie Scheffler of the United States poses for photos with wife Meredith, ... More son Bennett, Barbara Nicklaus, and Jack Nicklaus after winning the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by)
That is a great takeaway for business leaders. Greatness isn't always about flash. Often, it's about consistency, strategy, and unshakable preparation. That's what separates a one-time winner from a legacy builder.
Scheffler isn't just chasing trophies. He's studying greatness, surrounding himself with winners, and embodying the kind of leadership we'd all be wise to emulate.