New dad Scheffler gets back to work at Valhalla
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Masters champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler wasn’t getting much work done on his golf game last week, but he was feeling pretty happy and comfortable at home with his family.
Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, gave birth to the couple’s first child — son Bennett — last Wednesday and he said the couple was able to spend some quality time during their first week of parenthood.
“At home, it was a nice time to reflect a little bit on my career so far and where my life has gone,” Scheffler said. “I married my high school sweetheart and I always wanted to play professional golf, and now I’m here. I was sitting there with a newborn in my arms and the green jacket in the closet. It was a pretty special time I think at home.”
But on Monday, it was back to work. Scheffler left his home in Dallas and flew to Louisville to prepare for the second major of the year — the PGA Championship, which starts on Thursday at Valhalla Golf Club.
Scheffler said he already missed his son “like crazy,” but noted the couple knew he needed to play in the PGA.
“It was not easy to leave the house Monday morning,” he said. “But like I said, I told my son as I was leaving, I was like, ‘I don’t want to leave you right now, but I need to.’ I’m called to do my job to the best of my ability.
“I felt like showing up Wednesday night wouldn’t really be doing myself a service this week when it comes to playing and competing in the tournament, so I had to show up, especially with the weather forecast, showing up, being prepared and ready to play and being back home as quick as I can.”
Scheffler will play in his fifth PGA Championship and try to continue his amazing streak of recent hot play, which included a win at the Masters last month.
The 27-year-old Scheffler has won four of his last five starts, including the Masters and RBC Heritage in back-to-back weeks. He has not played since winning the Heritage.
Scheffler said prior to the Masters that he would leave no matter when Meredith went into labor. He did not end up having to worry about that and was there for the momentous occasion for the couple.