If there’s any golfer after Tiger Woods who has spent the most time at the top of the OWGR rankings, it’s Scottie Scheffler. The Dallas native has displayed unmatched consistency over the years, holding the No. 1 spot for 158 weeks while collecting 19 PGA Tour victories, including four major titles. But behind his rise is someone who has played a pivotal role since his early days—his longtime coach, Randy Smith. While many casual fans may not know much about him, Smith has been guiding Scheffler since childhood.

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Who is Scottie Scheffler’s coach?

Randy Smith was born on January 13, 1952, in Wichita Falls, Texas. A college golfer at Texas Tech University, he transitioned into assistant professional and teaching roles after graduation, eventually establishing himself as a respected club professional. His career reached new heights in the late 1970s when he joined Royal Oaks Country Club, where he still works today as the Director of Instruction/Golf Professional Emeritus. Over the years, he has also earned significant recognition within the PGA of America.

He is the all-time leading PGA of America National Award winner with 18 national awards to his name. Smith was named PGA Professional of the Year in 1996 and later honored as PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year in 2002. In 2005, he was inducted into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame for his exceptional contributions to the game. Alongside Scheffler, he has also coached players such as Justin Leonard, Ryan Palmer, Colt Knost, and Martin Laird. Still, his most successful and defining partnership has undoubtedly been with Scheffler.

In addition to his national accolades, Smith is respected among peers as a mentor to other coaches and a voice of wisdom within the PGA community. Numerous top professionals consult him for advice, and his influence extends into golf instruction methods adopted by other teaching professionals.

Smith is also widely respected not only for his technical expertise but also for his holistic approach to coaching. He emphasizes life skills, attitude, and mental toughness alongside mechanics. Many of his students, including Scheffler, have credited him with teaching them values such as humility, resilience, and enjoyment of the game, not just technical skills.

How Randy Smith Shaped Scottie Scheffler’s Game

Back in 2003–2004, when the Scheffler family joined Royal Oaks despite financial struggles, Smith was already serving as Director of Instruction. It was then that he noticed the potential of a 7-year-old Scottie. Recalling that first impression, Smith said, “And this little kid is making swings that are the same swing every time. I watched him hit balls, and within 15-20 minutes, I had that a-ha moment.”

Scheffler himself has often credited his coach, once saying, “Randy has been my swing coach since I was about 7 or 8. He pretty much taught me everything I know about the game of golf.”

Smith has also made significant contributions to the development of junior golf and community programs in Texas. He’s renowned for mentoring young golfers, organizing junior clinics, and fostering a supportive environment at Royal Oaks Country Club. This legacy extends beyond pros like Scheffler, impacting hundreds of aspiring athletes over decades

The Unique Bond Between Scheffler and His Coach

What began as a mentor–student relationship has, over two decades, evolved into something much deeper. Beyond fine-tuning Scheffler’s swing and helping him handle pressure, Smith has kept practices enjoyable with his sense of humor. His philosophy has always been simple:

“Keep the game fun, especially for kids, but also for pros when the pressure is high.”

The coach-player relationship between Smith and Scheffler is one of notable longevity in professional golf, marked by mutual loyalty and respect. Many golfers switch coaches multiple times in their careers, yet Scheffler’s steadfast commitment to Smith is a testament to their trust and shared vision. This rare stability has been cited as a key factor in Scheffler’s success.

Will Scottie Scheffler Stick With Randy Smith Long-Term?

It’s rare for a professional golfer to remain loyal to one coach throughout their career, as many change instructors at different stages. Yet Scheffler has remained committed to Smith, regardless of circumstances. Even after hiring Phil Kenyon as his putting coach in 2023, he remained true to the man who had shaped his game from the start.

What began with a single observation from Smith has become the most successful partnership of his career—and one of the most enduring in professional golf. With Scheffler still firmly leading the OWGR rankings, it’s hard to imagine anyone challenging him anytime soon, especially with Randy Smith still in his corner.