Scottie Scheffler may as well permanently book out a table at TPC Sawgrass’ pub as he looks to return for another celebratory pint this week.

Scheffler became the first man to ever win back-to-back Players titles last year as he stormed through the field to clinch the flagship event.

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He is now looking to be the first since Jack Nicklaus in 1978 to win this prestigious tournament three times and few will be betting against him.

As is tradition at Sawgrass, the champion retires to Pub 17 near the famous par-3 island green 17th hole to toast his achievement with his nearest and dearest.

Scheffler is fast becoming a regular at the drinking establishment and will be hoping for a third visit in as many years when he defends his title in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Players Executive Director, Lee Smith, has hailed the defending champion ahead of his return to Sawgrass, praising his attitude as much as his supreme ability.

Smith exclusively told talkSPORT.com: “When you spend time with Scottie, the first thing you notice is his down-to-earth nature.

“He’s just a regular guy who happens to be the best golfer in the world, so to have an athlete like that representing the PGA Tour’s premier event as back-to-back champion is really something special.

“One of the great moments from Sunday night in 2023 and 2024 was that his whole family was here to watch him win, and it’s just amazing to see how much that means to him.

“That speaks to the son, brother, husband, and now father, he is, and how well he was raised to understand what’s most important in life.

“One of our traditions on Sunday night at The Players is to try and expedite the media duties as best we can to make sure our champion gets time with his family in Pub 17, so once he’s done with interviews and the locker presentation, he’s off to a private dinner to enjoy the evening.

“It’s his moment, not ours.”

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Scheffler is the red-hot favourite for victory again at The Players this year and another win would see him claim an unprecedented three-peat at Sawgrass.

So, are event organisers planning anything extra special to celebrate the potential hat-trick?

“We are always mindful about staying in the moment—we don’t want to jinx anything, and I’m sure Scottie’s team doesn’t either!” Smith added.

“Our focus is on making sure our champion gets the celebration they deserve on Sunday night, keeping the moment about them and their achievement. Beyond that, we prefer to let things unfold naturally rather than planning too far ahead.”

Scheffler’s back-to-back Players wins have come in very different styles which only goes to show the adaptability of the world number one.

In 2023, he eased to victory by five-strokes – which in reality was even more comprehensive giving Tyrrell Hatton came out of the pack to finish second after a final round 65.

Last year, Scheffler went low on Sunday, carding a stunning 64 to leapfrog the likes of Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele to victory.

Now, he’ll be hoping to engineer another week of brilliance to scoop the $4,5million prize once more.

Scheffler won seven times on Tour last year, starting at the Arnold Palmer Invitational before winning at Sawgrass, The Masters and then the Tour Championship.

Despite numerous other chances to add to his major tally, Scheffler is yet to taste victory away from Augusta National in the biggest events.

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He’ll be eager to change that this summer and keep building his glittering CV.

While the wins keep coming, Scheffler admits he finds it difficult to fully enjoy his successes on the golf course.

He said: “I’ve always been one to kind of keep my head down. I’m not very good at celebrating, I don’t think.

“My wife is very good at that and I’m kind of the opposite in that sense. She’s always very excited.  

“I’ve been able to reflect a little bit on where the game has taken me the last few years and it’s very special, but I try not to focus too much on the past or the future, just try and stay in the present and just kind of keep my head down.”

While Sawgrass’ Pub 17 may well beckon again this year, Scheffler will have bigger aspirations for the season ahead as he looks to cement his legacy as one of the modern day greats.