New dad Scottie Scheffler ready for US PGA Championship challenge

Masters champion Scottie Scheffler is gearing up for a shot at back-to-back major titles as he enters the 106th US PGA Championship with a newfound sense of joy and responsibility following the birth of his first child. Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, welcomed their son, Bennett, into the world last week during Scheffler’s absence from the Wells Fargo Championship, which was ultimately claimed by Rory McIlroy.

Despite the looming forecast of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, Scheffler, the current world number one, found himself compelled to make the journey to Valhalla Golf Club on Monday to squeeze in some vital practice ahead of his bid for a remarkable fifth victory in his last six starts.

Reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions surrounding his recent fatherhood, Scheffler expressed gratitude for the outpouring of congratulations from friends and colleagues. “It was obviously a huge moment in Meredith and my life,” Scheffler shared in an interview with the Golf Channel. “It was nice to get a lot of stuff out of the way and share the joy of that moment together with friends I’d not seen for a few weeks.”

Despite the initial challenges of leaving his newborn son and wife behind, Scheffler remains focused on the task at hand. “As the week goes on, I’ll get more immersed in what I am doing,” he explained. “I’ll be doing my best to stay as present as I can on the golf course, and then when I get off it, I’ll be calling home as much as possible.”

Emphasizing the importance of preparation in his approach to the tournament, Scheffler expressed confidence in his readiness to compete. “I talk a lot about how it’s all about my prep work,” he noted. “Standing here today, I feel like I am extremely prepared, and I feel like my game is in a good spot.”

Acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving his family behind, Scheffler admitted, “It was fairly challenging leaving the house this morning, but I’m here, I’m committed to playing this week, I’m excited to be out here competing.” He recounted a heartfelt moment with his infant son before departing, conveying his mixed emotions: “‘I don’t want to leave but I gotta leave.'”

Returning to the site of Rory McIlroy’s 2014 triumph, the PGA Championship’s revisit to Valhalla Golf Club adds another layer of significance to Scheffler’s quest for victory. Despite the sacrifices required to prioritize his professional commitments, Scheffler cherishes the precious moments spent bonding with his newborn son and wife. “I took a more significant break than I would have,” he admitted, “but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything as it was so fun getting to be at home and spend time with him and Meredith and be a dad for a few days.”

In the midst of the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament, Scheffler’s poignant reflection on the joys of fatherhood offers a glimpse into the balancing act of professional ambition and personal fulfillment. As he embarks on his quest for glory at the US PGA Championship, Scheffler carries with him the profound sense of purpose that comes with being a new father, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead both on and off the golf course.