Masters leader Scottie Scheffler would leave if wife goes into labor

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Two years ago, Meredith Scheffler played a crucial role in her husband’s breakthrough Masters victory. Overwhelmed by the immensity of holding a 54-hole lead at Augusta National, Scottie Scheffler was brought to tears before teeing off on that Sunday in 2022.

It was Meredith who had the words to soothe her husband’s nerves.

“If you win this golf tournament today, if you lose this golf tournament by 10 shots, if you never win another golf tournament again, I'm still going to love you, you're still going to be the same person, Jesus loves you and nothing changes,” she said to him. Scottie, of course, went on to win his first Masters title that day.

Two years later, Scottie Scheffler is competing for another green jacket. After shooting 1-under 71 on Saturday, Scheffler holds the 54-hole lead at 7 under par, one stroke clear of Collin Morikawa. This time, Meredith Scheffler will not be with her husband in Augusta. She is home in Dallas, pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Scottie is less likely to feel those same nerves this time around, however. He’s won the last two PGA TOUR Player of the Year Awards and now has eight PGA TOUR titles, including the past two PLAYERS Championships. He has often displayed an ability to handle any adversity on the course, like in Saturday's demanding conditions at Augusta National, as he shook off a double bogey at No. 10 and a bogey at No. 11 with an eagle and birdie at the par-5 13th and 15th holes respectively.

He'll compete for a second green jacket without his wife in attendance, but with growing anticipation for the couple's next adventure as soon-to-be parents.

“What's missing? It's difficult to describe,” Scheffler said about his wife’s absence in Augusta. “But yeah, it's a bit weird. This is my first tournament without her being around in quite some time. Fortunately, Nike kind of takes care of my clothes this week so I don't have to pick my own outfits. I did make breakfast this morning, which was an adjustment.

“She's obviously my biggest supporter, and I definitely miss having her here,” he added. “But it's an exciting time for us in our lives, and fortunately she's still at home and feeling good, so we are grateful for that.”

Scheffler said earlier this week that he will head home to Dallas if his wife goes into labor, but that is not expected to happen this week.

“I wouldn't say I'm very concerned,” Scheffler said. “We haven't seen any of the early signs. But pregnancy is weird. It can happen at any time. (We have) open lines of communication and she can get ahold of me if she needs to.

“I'm ready to go at a moment's notice.”