Bryson DeChambeau would have missed Scottie Scheffler(Image: Getty Images for The Showdown)
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has been excused from attending Team USA’s Ryder Cup dinner to spend more time with his loved ones. Scheffler put in a scintillating performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson last weekend where he matched a PGA Tour record low aggregate score of 253 and trounced Erik van Rooyen by eight strokes.
The 28-year-old demonstrated his incredible s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 as he sailed through rounds of 61, 63, 66, and 63 at TPC Craig Ranch, Texas. His brilliance will be mouth-watering for Ryder Cup fans, who are counting down the days until the competition begins in September.
Scheffler’s triumph naturally positioned him as a frontrunner for the upcoming 2025 Truist Championship in Philadelphia, which boasts a first-place purse of £2.7million. Yet, in a turn that defied expectations, he opted to bypass the competition at Quail Hollow to extend his family time.
Team USA’s Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley may have been taken aback by Scheffler’s move, as he had coincidentally planned a team gathering at the Philadelphia Cricket Club ahead of the tournament’s commencement. Expected attendees included stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, but Scheffler stood out by his absence.
Golf Channel correspondent Todd Lewis shared that Bradley showed understanding for Scheffler’s choice. 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.”
This decision comes as no surprise to those who witnessed Scheffler’s heartfelt interview following his triumph at the Byron Cup Nelson. In that moment, Scheffler gushed about the joy his family experienced watching him compete.
Koepka would have also missed Scheffler(Image: Getty Images)
The two-time Masters champion 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’s performance was a welcome rebound from his underwhelming display at the Masters, where his major title defence concluded with a fourth-place finish, three strokes behind Rory McIlroy. In a nod to McIlroy, Scheffler said: “I think that’s what’s great about our game.
Scheffler’s performance happened in front of his family(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
