World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler cruises to 5-shot win at Bay Hill

“It has a lot to do with … keeping the mind as quiet as possible,” he said. “Part of the problem is just trying too hard. It’s frustrating to not have the best of myself.

“I’ve just gone through a stretch where it’s been tough.”

If Scheffler can remain hot with the flat stick, the rest of the Tour quite often could be left to play for second place.

“It would be borderline unfair if he starts putting really good,” said Clark, who finished fourth in strokes gained on the greens.

At the API, Scheffler already has quite an advantage.

Like iced tea and lemonade, Palmer’s world-famous concoction, Scheffler and Bay Hill appear to a perfect pairing because of his superlative ball-striking and steady demeanor.

“Scottie should win almost every year here,” Clark said.

Scheffler does it his own way, with an unorthodox swing and a golf game in continuous attack mode — qualities that made Palmer a fan favorite. But the steady and aw-shucks Scheffler’s winning performance also came at a tournament named for a golfer who oozed charisma.

The understated Scheffler didn’t interact with the crowd a la the King or perform one of Palmer’s infamous Sunday charges.

He didn’t have a chance to do so.

Scheffler spent his day in the fairways rather than near the ropes holding back spectators. Birdies on Nos. 10 and 11 stretched his lead to 5 shots and allowed him to cruise to a long-awaited seventh victory on Tour and second at Bay Hill to earn him the trademark red cardigan.

“It’s really special,” he said. “Mr. Palmer meant a lot to me, meant a lot to us as professional golfers and the game of golf, and so it’s very special to be able to sit here and wear his red sweater.

“I’m very proud to be the champion of his tournament.”