In his current form, it almost feels like nothing can stop Scottie Scheffler from clinching his second Masters crown – yet the world No. 1 may have a date with destiny that lies beyond Augusta National.
The American has lived up to his billing as the pre-tournament favorite at the 88th edition of the major, shooting a bogey-free opening round to move within a stroke of the leading Bryson DeChambeau.
It leaves the 27-year-old primed to make a run at another green jacket and a third title in just over a month, but 2022 champion Scheffler will depart the tournament “at a moment’s notice” – even if he is leading – should his wife Meredith go into labor.
The high-school sweethearts, who married in 2020, are not expecting their first child for another few weeks, but Scheffler has reiterated his pre-tournament promise that he would be “out of here” if the birth arrived sooner than expected.
“I think the first child wins … over many things in my life,” Scheffler told broadcasters during the par three contest on the eve of the tournament, where his sister Sara caddied for him in his wife’s absence at the family-focused competition.
Speaking on Thursday after his first round six-under 66 – his best ever Masters round on his fifth start – Scheffler was asked if he was concerned whether there was a scenario in which he would need to leave the tournament.
“Maybe I should be more concerned. I don’t really know,” Scheffler replied, laughing.
“People have asked us how our preparation is going for the baby. I feel like we are a little underprepared. The nursery is not quite ready and we’ve had some issues at our house the last few weeks. I think that’s the exciting part. I think we are definitely underprepared to be parents.
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