Scottie Scheffler’s Deep Rooted Beliefs Echoed in Hayden Springer & Wife’s Words as Past Confession After Tragedy Resurfaces

In moments of despair, faith becomes the guiding light. That’s true for the world no.1. That’s true for world no.184. Scottie Scheffler never had to endure the tragedy that fellow Texas pro, Hayden Springer did. His 3-year-old daughter, Sage, who was born with a genetic disorder, passed away in October 2023. But they find their solace and comfort in similar places. Bible.

You probably remember what Scheffler said in the press conference at Augusta. He had just donned the Green Jacket for the second time in his career. “My buddies told me this morning my victory was secure on the cross. And that’s a pretty special feeling to know that I’m secure forever and it doesn’t matter if I win this tournament or lose this tournament. My identity is secure forever.”

Springer, who is currently T4 at the Farmers Insurance Open, shared a similar thought previously. The rather unassuming character from Nashville who regularly competed against fellow Texan stars, Scheffler and Will Zalatoris a decade or so back, missed the mark to keep his Tour card last year. 

That card he won only a few months after losing his daughter in 2023. But a slew of missed cuts in 2024 kicked him out of the bubble. Standing by him was his wife, Emma, who said, “We’ve been through harder, we’ve lived through worse things, and God’s always been faithful to us, and so, whatever happens, it’s going to be OK, and we’re going to be taken care of.” 

They found their peace in Philippians 4:6–7. It reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

That’s how Springer and his wife coped with the grave loss of their daughter. 

How the Springers found comfort after a severe tragedy

While they found solace in Christ, the thoughts of Sage never really left Springer’s mind. Back in December 2023, when he was at TPC Sawgrass, Springer can’t remember how he qualified for the PGA Tour card. It all passed like a blur, as he recalled in a later interview. 

“Not thinking about golf, not thinking about the last shot, the next shot, just thinking about her and her smile,” said the Texas Christian University alum at that time. Another few months later, at the 2024 American Express, Springer brought wedges stamped with his daughter’s name. 

Right now, it’s living with the memory of a lost one for the Springers. The couple has started a foundation to help kids with genetic disorders, like Trisomy 18. They want to raise awareness about rare genetic disorders that don’t always receive much attention. That’s how they want to keep their daughter’s memory alive.