Top-Ranked Golfer Scottie Scheffler Experiences Significant Setback Before the PGA Tour Playoff Competition
Scottie Scheffler to Play BMW Championship Without Long-Time Caddie Ted Scott
Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one golfer, will be competing in the BMW Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta this weekend, but without his long-time caddie Ted Scott. Scott has had to leave for Louisiana due to a family emergency, and specific details about the nature of the emergency have not been disclosed to respect his privacy.
Ted Scott, who has been a mainstay in Scheffler's professional career for the past four years, was replaced by Brad Payne during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Payne is a close friend and chaplain to Scheffler, and he proved to be a valuable support during that tournament.
The BMW Championship has a total purse of $20m, and if Scheffler were to win, Mike Cromie, who will be his stand-in caddie, would take home around $360,000. Cromie has previous experience as a caddie, having worked with six-time PGA Tour winner Chris Kirk in the past.
Scheffler has had an impressive season so far, with his regular wins earning him an eye-watering amount of prize money, totalling $20.36m as of this season. He also has an additional $23m in bonus money, but it is unclear how much commission Scott receives from that. Scott has already taken home $2m from Scheffler's prize money this season.
The BMW Championship is part of the FedEx Cup playoffs, and Scheffler will be paired with Rory McIlroy for the first round. Scheffler is due to begin play on Thursday at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, Chris Kirk, who fell short of qualifying for the BMW Championship, finished 51st in the FedExCup rankings. Despite his absence, Scheffler remains optimistic and has confirmed that Scott is where he needs to be and that the family seems to be doing well.
[1] PGA Tour Statement on Ted Scott's Absence
[2] Scheffler Confirms Scott's Absence Ahead of Tour Championship
[3] Scheffler Turns to Brad Payne During Final Round of FedEx St. Jude
[4] Scheffler Provides Update on Ted Scott's Absence
[1] PGA Tour announces replacement caddie for Scottie Scheffler during Ted Scott's absence due to family emergency at the BMW Championship.
[2] Weekend news: Scottie Scheffler to compete at the BMW Championship without long-time caddie Ted Scott, replacing him temporarily with Brad Payne.
