Scottie Scheffler: The Rising Golf Star Balancing Fatherhood and Faith

Scottie Scheffler is used to being in the spotlight, but usually for his performance on the golf course rather than anything else.

The recent incident of the world No.1 getting arrested outside Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky was particularly surprising considering his usual background.

This golfer is also a new father, quietly excelling in his sport.

He is a dedicated Christian, who has mentioned that he plays golf to honor God. At 27 years old, he is expected to win the PGA Championship this weekend and some say he hasn't seen a player dominate the game like this since Tiger Woods in his prime.

I'm not just a number on the golf course.

Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, I moved to Dallas when I was 6 years old. As a young golfer, Scheffler quickly made a name for himself by winning many junior championships. At the age of 17, he achieved a hole-in-one and made the cut in his first PGA Tour appearance in 2014.

After turning professional four years later, Scheffler was named the PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year in 2020. The following season, he had a successful Ryder Cup debut.

By April 2022, despite not having won a PGA Tour event, Scheffler had already secured four victories. He had also climbed to the top spot in the world rankings and earned his first major championship title at The Masters.

Scheffler won at Augusta National that year with ease, a big change from his nerves before the final round. He confessed to feeling "overwhelmed" and even cried that morning, despite being a University of Texas alumni.

He credited his wife, Meredith, for calming him down. They had been high-school sweethearts and got married in 2020. Scheffler thanked her and his Christian faith after winning his first green jacket.

I play golf to glorify God and honor all that He has done in my life. My identity is not defined by my golf score, as mentioned by Scheffler, who met his current caddie Ted Scott during a Bible study session. All I aim to do is glorify God and that is my purpose for being here, not just to achieve a good golf score.

Scottie Scheffler kisses his wife, Meredith, after clinching his first Masters win.

Scottie Scheffler kisses his wife, Meredith, after clinching his first Masters win.

David J. Phillip/AP

‘I feel like I live two separate lives’

Scheffler's success at Augusta led to him being named the PGA Tour Player of the Year in 2022. He continued his impressive run in 2023, securing two more victories, one of which was at The Players Championship, considered by many as the "fifth major." During this tournament, Scheffler's 88-year-old grandmother Mary gained online popularity by following him through all 72 holes.

Scheffler recently discovered that his grandma had gone viral on social media, despite both of them not being active users. He shared this surprising news with CNN Sport's Don Riddell earlier this year.

Scottie Scheffler closes in on victory at the 2023 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Scottie Scheffler closes in on victory at the 2023 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images

In his post-win press conference, Scheffler shared that he planned to celebrate by going to his grandmother's house for dessert. This further solidified his reputation as a humble and down-to-earth top player in the PGA Tour, a label he is happy to embrace.

Scheffler's impressive start to his career has quickly propelled him to the eighth spot on the list of all-time career earnings on the PGA Tour, all within just five years on the tour.

Despite winning $61 million, in 2022 he was still driving the same Chevrolet Suburban that his father bought for him in college, with the car having traveled 175,000 miles.

When asked about his most extravagant purchase, Scheffler pointed to his home in Dallas.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida was the destination for Scottie Sheffler and his family on March 3, 2024. They visited the TPC Sawgrass before THE PLAYERS Championship at the Stadium Course.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Scottie Sheffler and his family visit TPC Sawgrass prior to THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 3, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR)

The photo captured by Chris Condon of PGA TOUR shows the Sheffler family enjoying their visit to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Chris Condon/PGA TOUR

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Grandma's chocolate pie and staying humble are the perfect combination for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

"I wouldn't say my house is fancy, but it's definitely the most expensive thing we've bought," he mentioned.

I feel like I lead two separate lives. When I'm on the road playing golf in front of people and doing interviews, it's one life. But when I'm home, golf isn't as popular and life is pretty easy for us. It's not like being a quarterback for the [Dallas] Cowboys.

Things have changed significantly for me when I'm out here, but not much has changed on the home front.

It was a mix of emotions for Scheffler in the 2023 season. He came close to winning another major title but ended up experiencing a heartbreaking loss with Team USA at the Ryder Cup. The defeat was so devastating that it brought Scheffler to tears.

Scheffler is consoled by his wife, Meredith, after suffering a bruising loss at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome,.

Scheffler is consoled by his wife, Meredith, after suffering a bruising loss at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome,.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

‘Family always comes first’

Yet those scenes in Rome seemed a lifetime away after Scheffler’s start to 2024.

He has won four out of his last five starts, with impressive victories at The Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship. However, the highlight was his second Masters triumph last month.

During the Masters, Scheffler had promised to leave the tournament if his wife went into labor. Fortunately, he did not receive the call, allowing him to focus on winning another green jacket.

"My friends reassured me earlier that my win was destined on the cross," he shared happily after his victory. "I trust that the events of today were predetermined long ago, and I couldn't have changed that. I see my talent as a gift from above, and I strive to use it to honor God. That's about it."

Scottie Scheffler celebrates his second Masters crown.

Scottie Scheffler celebrates his second Masters crown.

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

The couple recently welcomed their first child, Bennett. Before Bennett's arrival, Scheffler managed to win his 10th PGA Tour title at the RBC Heritage. This victory also made him the first golfer since Woods in 2006 to win a PGA Tour event the week after triumphing at a major.

To understand Scheffler's dominance, consider the gap in world ranking points between him and his closest competitor, Rory McIlroy. Following his win, Scheffler had 629.6 points compared to McIlroy's 344.4. This gap was actually wider than the one between McIlroy and world No. 784, Woods, who had only competed in five events since the beginning of 2023.

Scottie Scheffler is fitted with his plaid jacket after winning the 2024 RBC Heritage.

Scottie Scheffler is fitted with his plaid jacket after winning the 2024 RBC Heritage.

Aaron Doster/USA Today Sports/Reuters

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Scottie Scheffler has secured his fourth win in five starts. Many are now wondering if he is the most dominant golfer since Tiger Woods in his prime.

Despite recently becoming a father, Scheffler confidently dismissed any worries about lack of preparation for the upcoming PGA Championship. He mentioned that he enjoyed his time away from the golf course.

"It's pretty crazy to be sitting at home with my high school sweetheart and our child, looking at the green jacket in the closet. I just feel so grateful," he mentioned before the tournament.

There was a possibility of some disruption at Valhalla, as the caddie, Scott, had plans to leave Louisville to be present at his daughter's high school graduation during the third round on Saturday.

And as the overwhelming tournament favorite, few would be surprised to see Scheffler at the center of attention in Valhalla. Nobody though, could have foreseen the developments that put him there.

Editor's P/S:

Scottie Scheffler's recent arrest outside Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky is a surprising departure from his usual demeanor. As a dedicated Christian and devoted family man, Scheffler's actions seem uncharacteristic. The incident raises questions about the pressures and challenges that come with being a top-ranked golfer and the expectations that accompany such status.

Despite this setback, Scheffler remains a formidable force on the golf course. His recent dominance, including his second Masters triumph, demonstrates his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he prepares for the upcoming PGA Championship, Scheffler faces the task of balancing his personal life, including his new role as a father, with the demands of professional golf. His ability to navigate these challenges and maintain his focus will be crucial to his continued success.