What Happened
On August 10, 2025, Scottie Scheffler’s regular caddie, Ted Scott, had to leave the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis due to a family emergency. This unexpected departure occurred after the conclusion of the third round of the tournament, prompting Scheffler to seek a substitute caddie for the final round. In a notable move, Scheffler enlisted the help of Brad Payne, a PGA Tour chaplain and a close friend, rather than opting for one of the other caddies present at the event.
Scheffler began the final round two strokes behind the leader, Tommy Fleetwood, and was scheduled to tee off alongside J.J. Spaun. Payne, who has previously caddied for Scheffler during the 2024 PGA Championship while Ted Scott attended his daughter’s graduation, drove from Dallas to Memphis to assist Scheffler in this critical moment.
Key Details
- Departure of Ted Scott: Ted Scott left Memphis for Louisiana due to a family emergency. The specific nature of the emergency has not been disclosed by the PGA Tour.
- Substitute Caddie: Brad Payne, who serves as a chaplain for several PGA Tour players, stepped in as Scheffler’s caddie for the final round. Payne has a history of supporting Scheffler, having previously caddied for him under similar circumstances.
- Tournament Context: Scheffler was two strokes behind the leader, Tommy Fleetwood, at the time of the caddie change. The final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship is crucial for players aiming to secure their positions in the FedExCup standings, with only the top 50 players advancing to the next playoff event.
Multiple Perspectives
The decision to use a substitute caddie has elicited varying opinions among golf analysts and fans. Some view Payne’s involvement as a positive, given his close relationship with Scheffler and his experience in high-pressure situations. According to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, Payne’s familiarity with Scheffler’s game could provide a sense of continuity and support during the final round.
Conversely, there are concerns about the impact of such a sudden change on Scheffler’s performance. The dynamics between a player and their caddie are often seen as critical to success in golf, with established routines and communication playing a significant role. Some analysts suggest that the abrupt transition could introduce additional stress for Scheffler as he competes for a title.
Context & Background
Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 golfer, has had a successful career on the PGA Tour, including winning the Masters. Ted Scott has been a significant figure in Scheffler’s journey, providing not only caddying services but also emotional support. The FedEx St. Jude Championship is part of the FedExCup Playoffs, a series of tournaments that culminate in the crowning of the season champion. The stakes are high, as players aim to secure their positions for future events and maintain their eligibility for prestigious tournaments.
The use of a substitute caddie in professional golf is not unprecedented. Players have occasionally turned to friends or other caddies in similar situations, but the effectiveness of such arrangements can vary widely depending on the player’s comfort level and the substitute’s familiarity with the player’s game.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As of now, the details surrounding the family emergency that prompted Ted Scott’s departure remain undisclosed. Additionally, it is unclear how this change will affect Scheffler’s performance in the final round of the tournament. While Payne’s presence may provide emotional support, the impact of the caddie switch on Scheffler’s game will only be evident as the tournament progresses. Furthermore, the long-term implications of this incident on Scheffler’s relationship with Scott and their future collaboration are yet to be determined.
