‘Unreal’ moment Scottie Scheffler holes from 167 yards with just his SECOND shot since taking 3 weeks off to become dad
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER produced an incredible 167-yard eagle on his first hole since becoming a father.
The 27-year-old American is back in action at the Valhalla Golf Club for the 106th PGA Championship just days after his wife Meredith gave birth on May 8.
That led to him having three weeks off from golf to concentrate on their new arrival as some fans feared that he may suffer from ring rust.
Scheffler has already made an incredible start to the 2024 season with four wins from his last five, which includes his second Masters title.
And he dashed any doubts on the opening hole in stunning fashion.
The star could not contain his delight as a massive grin spread across his face as he high-fived caddie Ted Scott while fans on social media hailed his shot as being “unreal”, “completely awesome” and “scary”.
Earlier reports had reported how fellow players were congratulating him when he arrived for a practice round at Valhalla.
LIV golfer Jon Rahm gave him a hug on the putting green and jokingly asked: “Have you had much sleep?”
The world No.1 announced on Instagram that he and Meredith had welcomed their first kid into the world on the eve of the event in Kentucky.
He did not reveal a gender or name, but the PGA Tour’s official website later confirmed that it was a baby boy called Bennett.
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Scheffler had not played since he won the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town – that was just a week after claiming his second Masters green jacket.
He missed a key warm-up for the PGA in the Wells Fargo Championship last week as his wife went into labour.
But Scheffler said he would not swap being with his wife for anything and has enjoyed the first few days of fatherhood with son Bennett.
He said: “It took a little longer than anticipated for him to come, but I was able to get some good prep work in.
“Obviously, not my usual stuff with him being born in the middle of last week; I took a more significant break than I would have, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“It was so fun to get home and spend some time with him and Meredith and just hang out and be a dad for a few days. It was fun times at the Scheffler house, for sure.”
Xander Schauffele holds a three-shot lead after the opening round of the PGA Championship, while fellow pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy also made a strong start despite his split with wife Erica Stoll.
The 35-year-old submitted legal documents to the courts in Florida on Monday to end his marriage after seven years.
Schauffele carded nine birdies in a brilliant bogey-free round that saw him post the first 62 round in PGA Championship history and only the fourth ever in a men’s major.
McIlroy began with a five-under 66 while Scheffler is within five of the lead.
Meanwhile, Scheffler will play without his personal caddie Scott tomorrow in the third round of the PGA Championship.
He confirmed Scott will leave Louisville on Friday night for family reasons.
His caddie will be absent from the PGA Championship as he will attend his daughter’s high school graduation.
Who are golf's most famous Wags?
The world's top golfers enjoy an incredible lifestyle - and their Wags lead thrilling lives of their own.
Here are some of the most high-profile beauties…
- This former beauty pageant contestant is now an actress and featured in Sharknado 5.
- The daughter of an ice hockey legend who has been branded the ‘world’s sexiest caddie’.
- A Master golfer raced home from his most recent triumph to be by his wife’s side as she gave birth to their first child.
- An athlete who vaulted her way into a modelling career – and her golfer hubby’s heart.
- A keen tennis player and former competitor in the javelin lived with her ex-world No1 husband for two years before getting together.
- Playing off a handicap of three, this sports reporter could give her fella a run for his money on the greens.
- This low-key beauty got married to a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast who has been her husband’s rock for 14 years – he even pays tribute to her on his golf balls.