Scottie Scheffler’s return to top form in the PGA Tour was nothing short of extraordinary, but he was a no show at the recent Team USA Ryder Cup dinner
Bryson DeChambeau would have missed Scottie Scheffler(Image: Getty Images for The Showdown)
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was given a leave of absence from the Team USA Ryder Cup dinner, so he could spend time with his family. Scheffler was dominant at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson last weekend, hitting a PGA Tour record equalling aggregate of 253 to beat Erik van Rooyen by eight strokes.
The 28-year-old enjoyed rounds of 61, 63, 66 and 63 at the TPC Craig Ranch, in what was a firm statement ahead of the Ryder Cup in September. Scheffler did all of this as his family watched on in Texas.
His performance looked set to crown him the favorite ahead of the 2025 Truist Championship in Philadelphia, where the first prize is $3.6 million. Except, Scheffler took the surprising decision to skip the competition in Quail Hollow so he could spend more time with his family.
This would have taken Team USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley by surprise, as he was taking advantage of the Truist Championship by hosting a team dinner at the Philadelphia Cricket Club before the tournament started. While the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and many others were scheduled to be there, Scheffler was a notable absentee.
However, Golf Channel reporter Todd Lewis claimed Bradley was understanding towards Scheffler, allowing the New Jersey native to remain with his family. Lewis said: “I talked to Keegan Bradley about the absence of Scottie Scheffler.
“He said, ‘I talked to Scottie about this,’ and he (Bradley) completely understands that he (Scheffler) wants to spend some time with his family prior to traveling to Charlotte to compete in the PGA Championship. So he has an ‘excused absence.”
Those who saw Scheffler’s victorious interview at the Byron Cup Nelson would not be too surprised by his decision. Shortly after his win, Scheffler referenced how enjoyable it was for his family to watch him in action.
Scheffler would have also not seen Brooks Koepka(Image: Getty Images)
The two-time Masters winner said: “My family was all able to be here, and it was just really, really special memories. I think at times it all comes crashing down to me at once.
“We have a lot of great memories as kids coming to watch this tournament. I just dreamed to be able to play in it, and it’s more of a dream to be able to win it.”
Scheffler was at his best when he emerged from the TPC Craig Ranch with his jaw-dropping score. After a disappointing showing at the Masters, where his major defence ended with him finishing fourth – three shots behind Rory McIlroy – Scheffler was happy to put up such a score.
Scheffler relished every second of his victory in Texas(Image: Getty Images)
In a message to McIlroy, Scheffler said: “I think that’s what’s great about our game. This week, I was the best player. I have the week off, and we’ll see the week after who is the best player at the PGA.
“Rory has been playing some tremendous golf this year. The career Grand Slam was really special to watch.
“I was glad to be able to be there for it. I think any time you’re getting beat, you’re always fired up just a little bit extra to go out and practice.”
