Why Sam Burns of LSU and Scottie Scheffler are ready to withdraw from the Masters

In the world of golf, few tournaments hold the prestige and allure of the Masters. For golfers like Sam Burns and Scottie Scheffler, winning the coveted green jacket is a dream. However, for these two good friends, another life-changing event may take precedence over their pursuit of golfing glory.

Sam Burns, representing LSU with pride, and Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked as the world’s number one golfer, find themselves in a unique situation. Both are on the cusp of fatherhood, with their wives, Caroline Burns and Meredith Scheffler, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. While the Masters beckons, their familial responsibilities take precedence.

Sharing a rented home in Augusta for the duration of the tournament, Burns and Scheffler navigate the delicate balance between professional commitment and personal duty. Despite the camaraderie and excitement surrounding the Masters, their hearts remain with their expectant wives back home.

Expressing his longing for Caroline, Burns acknowledges the bittersweet nature of his absence from her side. Yet, he finds solace in her encouragement for him to pursue his dreams on the green. With hopeful anticipation, he expresses the wish that their bundle of joy will wait until after Sunday to make an appearance.

During the Par-3 contest, Scheffler, a formidable contender and the reigning Masters champion from 2022, openly discusses his stance on prioritizing family over fame. When pressed by ESPN’s Sean McDonough about his plans in the event of his wife going into labor, Scheffler’s response is unwavering. With conviction, he asserts that the birth of their first child surpasses any accolades or victories on the golf course.

The gender of their impending arrivals remains a closely guarded secret, adding an element of anticipation to an already emotionally charged situation. As Scheffler prepares to tee off alongside golfing heavyweights Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, and Burns readies himself for his own round with Adam Scott and Cameron Young, the weight of their impending fatherhood adds a layer of complexity to their Masters experience.

In a sport often characterized by individual pursuit, Burns and Scheffler’s shared journey into fatherhood highlights the deeper connections that transcend the boundaries of the golf course. Amidst the pressure and prestige of the Masters, their unwavering commitment to family serves as a poignant reminder of life’s most meaningful priorities.