Scottie Scheffler: Right now am learning how to change his diapers

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is ready to take on The Memorial Tournament, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a week spent at home with his newborn son. Ahead of back-to-back challenges at The Memorial and the US Open, Scheffler took a break from golf to enjoy precious moments with his family in Dallas.

“I got some good rest at home last week. We had pretty bad weather in Dallas, so it wasn’t too great for golf, so I’m feeling pretty rested,” Scheffler shared during his pre-tournament news conference at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. He practiced putting the day before and planned to play a few rounds to familiarize himself with the course’s conditions. This marks his fourth appearance at Jack Nicklaus’ tournament, having secured third place in his previous two outings.

The hiatus from golf allowed Scheffler to focus on fatherhood. He and his wife, Meredith, welcomed their baby boy, Bennett, recently, and Scheffler relished the opportunity to bond with his son. He spoke about the learning curve of being a first-time father. “Right now, I’m still trying to learn how to burp him and change his diaper and stuff like that, so as far as the true parenting, I’m trying to just be the best support I can at home,” he explained. With Meredith handling the nighttime duties, Scheffler managed to get some rest and return to his sport with renewed energy.

In addition to embracing fatherhood, Scheffler recently navigated significant legal challenges. On May 29, prosecutors in Louisville, Kentucky, dropped all charges against him related to his arrest on May 17 near Valhalla Golf Club. Scheffler had faced multiple charges, including felony second-degree assault of a police officer. Jefferson County attorney Mike O’Connell stated that the charges would not be pursued, describing the incident as a “big misunderstanding.”

Scheffler reflected on the arrest, admitting it was a traumatic experience. “It’s not something that I love reliving, just because it was fairly traumatic for me being arrested going into the golf course,” he said. While relieved that the charges were dropped, he acknowledged that the experience would leave a lasting impact, symbolized by his mug shot. Scheffler chose not to pursue a lawsuit against the police, emphasizing his reluctance to impose financial burdens on Louisville residents.

Amidst his personal challenges, Scheffler also addressed the recent death of fellow golfer Grayson Murray, who died by suicide on May 25. Scheffler expressed the collective shock and sorrow felt by the golfing community. “When we found out Grayson passed away last week, it was obviously a pretty big shock to all of us. It’s been a tough 10 days trying to process what transpired,” he said. He spoke warmly of Murray, remembering him as a sweet and hardworking individual. “Grayson, he was a sweet guy, he really was. He was fun to be around, he worked hard on and off the golf course,” Scheffler reflected, conveying the sense of regret and helplessness felt by those who knew him.

As Scheffler prepares for the challenges ahead at The Memorial and the US Open, he aims to move past recent adversities, both personal and professional, and focus on his game. Balancing the demands of professional golf with the new responsibilities and joys of fatherhood, Scheffler steps onto the course with a renewed perspective and a determination to excel.