Scottie Scheffler seems unbeatable as the first round of the US Open nears, astonishing many top competitors with his five victories this year, including the Masters. 'He's the benchmark at the moment,' remarked 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. 'Without a doubt, he's the best player globally by a significant margin. It's on us to reach his level,' commented four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who described Scheffler as 'unwavering.' Two-time major winner Jon Rahm noted that Scheffler is 'essentially mirroring a Tiger Woods season. It's remarkable.' What could halt Scheffler? Well, he finished eighth in the May PGA Championship after facing driving-related charges, which were subsequently dropped. 'The only thing that kept him from winning a tournament was spending an hour in a jail cell,' McIlroy quipped. Scheffler will tee off at Pinehurst alongside McIlroy, ranked third, and Xander Schauffele, ranked second and the PGA Championship winner, who also admires Scheffler. 'Scottie is achieving incredible feats,' Schauffele stated. 'Each week we compete, he widens the gap, making the challenge steeper for the rest of us.' Scheffler is the first player since Tom Watson in 1980 to secure five PGA Tour wins before the US Open, triumphing at Bay Hill, the Players, the Masters, the Heritage, and last week's Memorial. The 27-year-old American, recently a father, has secured 12 top-10 finishes in 13 PGA Tour events this year, maintaining a pragmatic approach to his success. 'I no longer dwell on my victories,' Scheffler said. 'My focus is solely on this week and preparing to play. Last week is irrelevant.' Despite being the target of other golfers, he doesn't sense it. 'I don't feel there's a target on my back,' Scheffler noted. 'No one plays defense. When I play with Xander and Rory, they won't be doing anything unusual or obstructing my putts.' He doesn't dwell on how to handle his success, preferring to live in the moment. 'I haven't discussed that with anyone,' he said. 'I try not to dwell on the past or future. I just live in the present, which can be easier or harder at times.' Even the high praise from rivals is taken as friendly compliments. 'It's nice to hear positive feedback from my peers,' Scheffler said. 'It's definitely appreciated.' Regarding being the world's best golfer, he avoids overthinking. 'I try to live in the moment and enjoy it, as you never know how long it will last. I soak up the good times and persevere through the bad.' His key lesson from previous US Opens is to remain calm and patient. 'Patience is crucial,' Scheffler said. 'Certain parts of the course require precision shots. Pinehurst's unique features, like domed greens and sandy run-offs, pose risks on almost every hole. 'Certain holes, like some par-3s, offer no safe misses,' Scheffler noted. 'You must aim accurately or face trouble.' He appreciates Pinehurst's design, which he believes offers a better test with more variety and creativity around the greens.