PGA Tour babies, Scheffler’s sweet gesture, Schauffele’s jokes |

**Bear Burns and Bennett Scheffler: The Next Generation of Golfing Buddies**

Sam Burns and Scottie Scheffler, two of the PGA Tour’s brightest stars, have shared more than just a passion for golf this year—they’ve also welcomed new additions to their families. Burns and Scheffler each became fathers earlier this year, with their sons Bear Burns and Bennett Scheffler arriving just days apart. The FedEx St. Jude Championship last week became an unexpected showcase for these little ones, marking what could be the beginning of a second generation of best friends.

Let’s start with Bear Burns—what a fantastic name, by the way—who stole the show during a practice round in Memphis. Bear joined his dad, Sam Burns, on the course, soaking in the atmosphere and watching “Uncle Xander” Schauffele tee off. In a heartwarming moment, Bear was even held by the two-time major champion while his dad took his turn. This adorable family time on the tee, captured by the PGA Tour, was a reminder of the joys of parenthood and the strong bonds within the golfing community.

Bear Burns may not fully understand it yet, but he’s living a charmed life, surrounded by the world’s best golfers and front-row seats to some of the most exciting moments in the sport.

Bennett Scheffler, Bear’s new buddy, is also living the dream. During the tournament, Bennett was treated to a prime view of his dad, Scottie Scheffler, teeing off, thanks to an assist from Sam Burns. It was a touching display of camaraderie, with Burns ensuring that Bennett had the best seat in the house to watch his dad in action. The image of Sam Burns holding Bennett echoed the sentiment that it truly takes a village to raise a child, especially in the tight-knit world of the PGA Tour.

This tender moment brought to mind another iconic scene from the golf world: Jordan Spieth holding up his son, Sammy, during the 2022 Presidents Cup, reminiscent of a famous scene from *The Lion King.* These glimpses of family life on the tour are a refreshing reminder of the human side of the sport, adding a heartwarming dimension to the competition.

**FedEx St. Jude Championship: A New Kind of Content**

When you think of golfers known for creating memorable content, names like Bryson DeChambeau and Min Woo Lee might come to mind. However, last week in Memphis, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele—usually known for their serious demeanor on the course—emerged as unexpected contenders for what could be called the “Playoff Content Kings” of the year.

Beyond their wholesome baby content, Scheffler and Schauffele provided some entertaining moments off the course. In a lighthearted interaction in the flash zone, where players typically speak with the media, Schauffele playfully “crashed” Scheffler’s press conference, pretending to record his answers on his phone. It was a fun departure from the usual post-round routines, showing that even top-tier athletes can let their guard down and enjoy a laugh.

Schauffele’s playful antics didn’t end there. He also had some fun with the PGA Tour’s social media team, engaging in a staring contest that ended with the admin claiming victory. These moments of levity reveal the personalities behind the players, making golf more relatable and enjoyable for fans.

Of course, it’s easy to relax when you’ve had the kind of success these two have had this season—Scheffler with two majors under his belt and Schauffele with six wins. But these interactions highlight a different side of the sport, one where the pressure of competition is balanced with moments of genuine camaraderie and fun.

**Scottie Scheffler’s Heartfelt Gesture**

Scottie Scheffler provided yet another reason for fans to admire him during the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The World No. 1 took time out of his day to meet nine-year-old Liliana, who had recently undergone a liver transplant, chemotherapy, and radiation. Liliana, serving as an honorary flag holder on the 18th green in Memphis, had the opportunity to meet Scheffler right on the 72nd hole, creating a special memory for everyone involved.

This heartwarming gesture underscores the importance of using one’s platform to make a positive impact, and Scheffler did just that by bringing a bit of joy to Liliana’s day. Such moments serve as powerful reminders of the good that can come from sports, beyond the trophies and accolades.

**The Return of Shota Hayafuji**

In other news, Hideki Matsuyama’s caddie, Shota Hayafuji, made his return to the PGA Tour after a challenging experience following the Paris Olympics. Matsuyama’s team was robbed in Paris, leaving Hayafuji and his coach without their passports. They had to return to Japan to replace them, leading Matsuyama to enlist Ryo Hisatsune’s caddie for last week’s tournament.

For those unfamiliar with Shota Hayafuji, he first gained widespread attention for his respectful bow on the 18th green at Augusta National after Matsuyama’s historic win at the 2021 Masters. Hayafuji’s quiet demeanor and moments of zen, like when he was spotted vaping while waiting for the final groups at the Genesis Invitational, have earned him a devoted following.

Despite Matsuyama’s victory last week without Hayafuji, the caddie’s presence was missed by many. So, it’s a relief to know that Hayafuji is back in the U.S. and ready to be on the bag for Matsuyama at the BMW Championship. His return adds a sense of continuity and comfort for Matsuyama’s team as they head into the next tournament.

In conclusion, the FedEx St. Jude Championship not only delivered exciting golf but also a treasure trove of heartwarming and entertaining moments. From the next generation of golf buddies in Bear Burns and Bennett Scheffler to the return of Shota Hayafuji, these stories remind us of the deeper connections and human experiences that make the sport so special. Here’s hoping we see more of these moments in the weeks to come.