Is Scottie Scheffler Taking a Paternity Leave to Support Wife Meredith and Their Baby?

They said the only person who could stop Scottie Scheffler from winning the Masters this year was his wife, Meredith. He’d said that if his wife went into labor, he’d leave Augusta at the drop of a hat and go back to Dallas. But that didn’t happen, and Scheffler became one of only two golfers to triumph at both THE PLAYERS and the Masters in a single season. But as the due date gets closer, Scheffler might consider taking a temporary break from the course.

During his time on the course, though, he’s had a remarkable record. The top-ranked golfer has been delivering outstanding performances on the putting greens, adding to his winning streak – claiming victory in three of the last four events. But with Scheffler and Meredith anticipating the arrival of their first child imminently, the 27-year-old will soon embrace the responsibilities of parenthood. So, will Scottie Scheffler be taking paternity leave? Let’s dive deeper into the situation and uncover the details!

Notably, Scottie Scheffler cannot take official paternity leave, as the PGA Tour does not offer such benefits. The two-time Masters champion is unofficially taking time off to welcome his first child and support his wife, he revealed at the RBC Heritage. During these events, the 27-year-old was approached with questions about his soon-to-be-born child and forthcoming plans, especially regarding the PGA Championship.

Scheffler answered, “I’ll do the best I can [to prepare for the next major]. I’ll be spending a bit more time at home preparing, but I’ll obviously take a break when the baby comes.” So, to answer the question, yes. Scottie Scheffler will take a paternity leave when the time comes. But until then, he revealed his mindset, which was similar to what he said at the Masters.

“I left my pregnant wife at home to come here and play in a golf tournament. I am here to play and hopefully play well. I’m not here just for fun. [So] up until when the baby comes, I’m going to play this week and then I’ll go home and basically just wait. We’re due at the end of the month,” the World No.1 said. What did he say in Augusta when he fielded questions about his wife and child? “I made a commitment to this tournament. I like coming here and playing the golf course.” But as committed as he is to golf, the tournaments, and winning, they’re not his priority.

At the RBC Heritage, he added, “Golf was my top priority, but I do love competing, and I put in the work. It’s going to take another notch down in priority when our child comes.” And, well, seeing Scheffler take some time off from golf is something many of his competitors may want right now. Given the 27-year-old’s winning streak, J.T. Poston couldn’t help but encourage Scheffler to do just that.

What did J.T. Poston have to say about Scottie Scheffler’s paternity leave?

In a recent conversation with Taylor Zarzour on PGA Tour Radio, Poston offered some advice for the World No.1. Zarzour inquired about Poston’s opinion on whether Scheffler should prioritize family time and take a break to focus on his growing family, particularly with the arrival of his new baby.

Responding to that, Poston referred to Scheffler as a “good friend” and suggested, “Can we get some paternity leave for this guy?” However, the 31-year-old added, “Take some time off. Give the rest of us a shot,” while also expressing admiration for Scheffler’s skills on the greens.

Scheffler has officially announced his decision to take paternity leave, prioritizing time with his family as they prepare to welcome their child and temporarily step away from golf to focus on this significant life milestone.