Scottie Scheffler arrived at Valhalla Golf Club Monday, less than a week after going through one of life's most profound changes: becoming a father. According to the Associated Press, Scheffler's son, Bennett was born on May 8.
"I don't really know how to describe it," Scheffler said. "Watching the little dude come out of Meredith, and we waited, and it was a surprise for us whether it was going to be a boy or girl, so being able to tell my wife that it was a boy, yeah, it was a wild ride.
"Extremely proud of Meredith [Scheffler's wife] after watching her go through that. It's nuts. I'm glad it was her going through it and not me because I don't know if I could have done it."
Scheffler, 27, has taken the last three weeks off from competition, giving him time at home to reflect on his life — while holding his newborn son in his arms and green jacket peeking out of his closet. He married his high school sweetheart, accomplished his dreams of playing on the PGA Tour, and felt grateful for the life he has. Scheffler celebrated Meredith's first Mother's Day on Sunday and her birthday Monday before heading to Louisville for the PGA Championship.
"I couldn't imagine it being the way that it is, and it's a lot of fun," Scheffler said. "I miss him like crazy. It was not easy to leave the house Monday morning. But like I said, I told my son as I was leaving, I don't want to leave you right now, but I need to."
This week is the No. 1 player in the world's first start in three weeks, where he contends for a chance at three straight victories. His last two tournaments were wins at the Masters and the RBC Heritage on April 21. Even with Scheffler's newfound fatherhood duties of holding his son and changing diapers, he still practiced by playing friends in money games at home.
Scheffler plans to follow a family-first mantra throughout his career, which will impact him this week. His caddie, Ted Scott, who has been on the bag for all 10 of Scheffler's PGA Tour victories, will be headed home for his daughter's high school graduation Friday night. Scott will return Saturday evening to loop on Sunday. Scheffler plans to have his friend Brad, the PGA Tour’s Chaplain, caddie for him Saturday.
"That's something we talked about from the beginning of our relationship was family always comes first, and it's the same thing for me as it is for my caddie," Scheffler said. "It was a pretty easy decision."
While Scheffler's usual routine heading into a major was changed up, as he explained he'd typically play more heading into the week, he still eyes his third major title. In four career starts at the PGA Championship, he's finished in the top 10 three times, including a T2 last year at Oak Hill. If he plays to how he has this year, Scheffler could return home to his son with the Wannamaker Trophy in hand.
"I think the competitiveness in me doesn't let me reflect too much and I was trying to do my best to get ready to play this week."
