Scottie Scheffler always leans on his faith. This week, even more so
Scottie Scheffler has secured a backup caddie for the PGA Championship. Scheffler revealed on Tuesday that PGA Tour chaplain Brad Payne will caddie for him on Saturday, as his regular caddie, Ted Scott, will be attending his daughter’s high school graduation. Scheffler values Payne not just as a friend, but as someone who understands golf…
Scottie Scheffler has secured a backup caddie for the PGA Championship. Scheffler revealed on Tuesday that PGA Tour chaplain Brad Payne will caddie for him on Saturday, as his regular caddie, Ted Scott, will be attending his daughter’s high school graduation.
Scheffler values Payne not just as a friend, but as someone who understands golf deeply. “I trust him to rake a bunker more than my buddies,” Scheffler mentioned to reporters.
#### The Role of a PGA Tour Chaplain
Brad Payne, currently a chaplain on the PGA Tour, offers spiritual support to golfers, their families, caddies, and others involved in the events. His responsibilities include organizing Bible studies during tournament weeks, which can attract up to 100 participants including players, their partners, caddies, and officials. According to the New York Post, these meetings are often standing room only as attendees come together for prayers and scripture discussions.
Chaplains are also available to athletes in various leagues, including the NFL and college sports. They work to build relationships with athletes, offering spiritual guidance and leading informal worship services, considering the athletes’ demanding schedules often keep them away from their home churches.
Payne’s background includes playing college golf and previously caddying for former PGA Tour golfer Paul Stankowski, adding to his credibility in the role of Scheffler’s temporary caddie.
#### Scheffler’s Faith and Recent Achievements
Scottie Scheffler frequently emphasizes the importance of his faith in his life and career. Before the Masters in April, he stated, “I’m a faithful guy. I believe in a creator. I believe in Jesus. … I feel like I’ve been given a platform to compete and show my talent. It’s not anything that I did.” He further explained, “Golf is something I do. It’s a tremendously huge part of my life, but it doesn’t define me as a person.”
Scheffler is one of the top contenders for this weekend’s PGA Championship, one of the PGA Tour’s four major tournaments. This event marks his return to the tour after a break to spend time with his wife, Meredith, and their newborn son, Bennett. Prior to this hiatus, Scheffler won the Masters and the RBC Heritage event in consecutive weeks, securing victories in five of his last six tournaments.
The PGA Championship begins on Thursday, with the winner set to be determined by Sunday.