Scottie Scheffler is already dealing with drama surrounding his unexpected arrest, and it will be compounded by not having his trusted caddy with him for the next 18 holes of the PGA Championship.
The world’s No. 1 golfer was arrested and released before Friday’s tee time for a chaotic traffic violation, but he didn’t slow down and shot a 5-under 66, leaving him 9-under, three strokes behind leader Xander Schauffele. reached.
He was charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and failing a police officer.
Scheffler will start Saturday’s third round at Valhalla Golf Club without Ted Scott, who has been his caddy since 2021.
However, the caddy change has nothing to do with Friday’s incident, as Scheffler revealed his plans before the tournament.
On Tuesday, Mr. Scheffler announced that Mr. Scott was scheduled to fly from Louisville to attend his daughter’s high school graduation on Saturday and return at some point that evening to face Mr. Scheffler in the final round on Sunday. He said there is.
“Family always comes first, and that’s something we talked about from the beginning of our relationship, and it’s the same for me and my caddy,” Scheffler said. “It was a very easy decision. He told me earlier this year that it was that day, so I had him arrange for a backup caddy. One of my friends will be carrying the bag on Saturday, but Then Ted will be back for a round on Sunday.”
Scheffler will be joined in his place by longtime friend Brad Payne, who played golf at Pepperdine University and is a PGA Tour chaplain.
“One of my older friends, he travels here every week…” Scheffler said Tuesday. “I trust him to rake bunkers more than his peers.”
As a chaplain, Payne is often around golfers, supporting players, their families, friends, and several others involved in tournament events.
Payne also previously caddyed for former PGA Tour golfer Paul Stankowski. According to PGATour.com.
Scott, who has caddied for Scheffler throughout his 10 wins on the PGA Tour, won’t miss Sunday’s potential 11th and third major championship victory.
