Scottie Scheffler and Ted Scott have quickly become one of the most successful player-caddie duos in golf, securing multiple victories, including two Masters titles, two Players Championships, and two Arnold Palmer Invitationals. Their partnership appears seamless, built on trust, precision, and a steady approach. However, this dynamic almost didn’t happen, as Scott initially hesitated to take the job due to concerns about Scheffler’s fiery competitive nature, after having caddied for Bubba Watson. It took a convincing phone call and a promise from the young golfer to bring them together, and the results have been nothing short of dominant. For both of them. Interestingly, Ted Scott earned a whopping $1.2 million last year!

Yet, three years with Scheffler is a fraction of the 15 years Scott spent alongside Bubba Watson. That partnership produced 10 PGA Tour wins, including two Masters triumphs, but it was anything but conventional. Their time together had its share of challenges, with some heated on-course moments, like their well-documented exchange at the 2013 Travelers Championship. However, according to Vanity Index Podcast host Chad Mumm, the biggest challenge of caddying for Watson had little to do with his emotional outbursts. Instead, there was another, unexpected factor that made Watson one of the most difficult players to work with on the course.

There is no doubt that the former duo did have a great time on course. In his latest appearance on Golf.com, Watson became candid about Scottie Scheffler and Ted Scott. Bubba Watson got to witness the greatness of the World No. 1 at Shadow Creek in December. He was the on-course correspondent of The Showdown. When asked how it feels to see Ted Scott caddie so well for Scheffler, and imagining it could have been him, Watson replied, “I told him, “Why didn’t you caddie that good for me?” But no, it’s great. When we split up, I wasn’t sure where I was going. LIV was coming into the picture, so I was thinking about that, thinking about this, just trying to figure it out.” 

Bubba Watson and caddie Ted Scott ended their 15-year partnership in late September 2021, with Watson announcing the split on social media in late September. This was just months before he joined the Breakaway League on July 29, 2021. And well, Scottie Scheffler took advantage of the uncertain timing. “Then some pros started calling him about possibly working for them. We talked about it, and I told him, ‘Man, if you could find a young guy that you could help as much as you’ve helped me, go help them,’” added Bubba Watson.

But the question is, although Ted Scott helped Bubba Watson have such an illustrious career, what makes him complain? Why does he think Scott did not caddie for him as well as he did for Scheffler? Let’s go back in time, and the answer lies in the past.

Bubba Watson’s miss at the 2013 Travelers Championship

Bubba Watson never played golf by the book. His approach to the game was purely instinctual, making him one of the most unorthodox players in the sport. With a self-taught swing and an uncanny ability to shape shots that defied convention, Watson relied on feel rather than data. While most modern golfers lean on advanced technology to perfect their game and determine the ideal club for each shot, Watson saw the course differently. He had an almost artistic approach, sending the ball into places no one else would dare attempt.

According to Chad Mumm, Ted Scott once revealed that Watson could hit the same 170-yard shot with eight different clubs. He might carve a four-iron, hook a sand wedge, or even knock down a three-wood to cover just 120 yards. Every decision was based on how he visualized the ball landing on the green, making traditional club recommendations nearly impossible. Scott’s role as a caddie was simply to provide numbers—beyond that, it was all up to Watson’s creativity.

This unpredictable style occasionally led to friction, as seen at the 2013 Travelers Championship. With the lead heading into the 16th hole, Watson appeared to be in control. However, a costly mistake changed everything. He sent his tee shot into the water, carded a triple bogey, and immediately turned to Scott in frustration. “Water. It’s in the water. That club,” Watson snapped, blaming the club selection. When his next shot flew the green, he questioned Scott again. Similar frustrations surfaced at the PGA Championship the following year, where Watson appeared to second-guess club choices and visibly shook his head in disagreement.

Scott eventually adapted to Watson’s unconventional approach. He learned how to communicate numbers in a way that fit Watson’s vision of the game. Mumm explained that Scott had to tailor his strategy based on flag placement, noting that Watson even preferred pins tucked to one side so he could shape shots around them. This unique playing style made caddying for Watson a challenge like no other, but it also helped define his remarkable career.

Watson’s artistry on the course made him one of golf’s most fascinating figures. His dynamic, feel-based approach set him apart, but it also required a caddie willing to embrace the chaos. Love him or hate him, there was never a dull moment with Bubba Watson. Want more insights into the game’s biggest personalities? Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of golf.