Scottie Scheffler and caddy Ted Scott have a motto: “Family comes first.”
That’s especially true for Scheffler these days, as he and his wife, Meredith, gave birth to a baby boy, Bennett, on May 8th.
As a result, Scheffler missed last week’s Wells Fargo Championship.
But the reigning Masters champion returns to the field this week at Valhalla, where he will be aiming for his second consecutive major title. However, the looper will have to miss part of this week’s PGA Championship to prioritize his family obligations.
“Teddy will be going home Friday night and then coming back Saturday evening.” [his daughter’s high school] I think there will be a graduation ceremony or maybe later Saturday night and then a little celebration,” Scheffler explained Tuesday.
“It’s something we talked about from the beginning of our relationship. Family has always come first and that’s the same for me and Caddy. It was a very easy decision. Earlier this year he He said that was the case that day, so he’s arranging a backup caddy.”
Scheffler and Scott have bonded not only through golf, but also through their faith and similar moral values. Golf has always been lower on Scheffler’s totem pole than his faith and family.
Scott shares the same belief.
So it’s no surprise that PGA Tour chaplain Brad Payne would loop in for Scheffler in Saturday’s third round if Scheffler qualifies.
“He’s one of my older friends and he travels here every week,” Scheffler explained.
“I trust him to rake bunkers more than his peers.”
Additionally, Scheffler said Scott is scheduled to return for Sunday’s final round, which is sure to create some drama. The past three PGA Championships at Valhalla came down to the final hole, with the 1996 and 2000 tournaments ending in playoffs.
Considering the course’s memorable history and Scheffler’s impressive season, something special could happen for him Sunday night. It won’t be as magical as becoming a father for the first time, but if Scheffler wins at Valhalla and then wins his second straight major, the 2024 PGA Championship will be one to remember.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
