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Julio Cesar Valdera Morales is a Newsweek contributor based in Spain. His focus is golf as well as politics and economics. Julio has been with Newsweek since February, 2025 and previously practiced law. Julio earned his Masters Degree at the University of Havana. You can get in touch with Julio by emailing j.morales@newsweek.com.
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Scottie Scheffler will face the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship under unusual conditions, as he won’t have Ted Scott by his side.
The legendary caddie had to return home suddenly due to a personal matter, so Scheffler will have to pursue his 18th career victory without him.
Scott’s unexpected absence from the fourth round of the first PGA Tour playoff event was announced on the tour’s website. Although no details were made public as to why the caddie had to leave, it was mentioned that Scheffler will have a familiar face looking after his bag.
Scheffler’s caddie will be Brad Payne, who previously worked with him during the third round of the 2024 PGA Championship, a fact that has largely been overshadowed by Scheffler’s arrest at Valhalla Golf Club that week.
US golfer Scottie Scheffler and his caddie Ted Scott celebrate on the 18th green after his victory in the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 20, 2025. Scottie…
US golfer Scottie Scheffler and his caddie Ted Scott celebrate on the 18th green after his victory in the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 20, 2025. Scottie Scheffler romped to a magnificent four-shot victory to seal his first British Open title at Royal Portrush on Sunday, notching his fourth major success. The world number one eased to a three-under par final round of 68, finishing on 17-under for the tournament after shooting in the 60s on all four days.
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ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP/Getty Images
Payne serves as chaplain to PGA Tour players and has a close relationship with Scheffler, both through his duties on tour and through residing in Dallas as the current World No. 1. Additionally, Payne has caddied for numerous players and even played college golf for Pepperdine University.
Scheffler and Scott began working together in 2022. That same year, Scheffler earned his first four PGA Tour wins, including his first major championship. Since then, he has won 17 tournaments on the American-based tour, including four majors, always with Scott looking after his bag.
To these titles must be added his two victories in the unofficial Hero World Challenge, his gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, his victories in the 2022 and 2024 Presidents Cups, and his participation in the 2023 Ryder Cup.
If he wins this Sunday at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, it would be the first time Scheffler has lifted a PGA Tour title without Scott by his side. Although Scott did loop for Scheffler through the first three rounds.
Scheffler is deeply involved in contention for the title at the event, played at TPC Southwind. With 18 holes remaining, he has a score of 12-under and is just two strokes behind leader Tommy Fleetwood.
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