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Real Story Behind Ted Scott Leaving Scottie Scheffler Mid-Event Wasn’t About Golf, but Beyond That

Originally posted on DailyClubGolf | By Abhishek Sharma | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 12:39 PM ET

The sudden exit of Ted Scott from Scottie Scheffler’s bag during the 2025 playoff season quickly drew attention from fans. The experienced caddie did not accompany the top player during crucial championship events.

While competing under the pressure of the FedEx Cup playoffs, Scheffler found himself without his trusted partner. Fans and media began speculating about the reasons behind the separation at such an important moment.

Ultimately, the situation was traced to a tragic family emergency. It had nothing to do with golf but instead involved Scott’s responsibilities toward his family during a crisis.

The details emerged in a YouTube feature video from Golf.com. According to the report, Ted Scott returned home to Louisiana to handle an unexpected family matter during the St. Jude Championship. He left the tournament early and did not caddie during the final round on Sunday.

During the third round of the St. Jude Championship, Scott stepped away due to a family emergency involving his nephew, Joel. According to Golf.com, Joel got s*** during an altercation on the basketball court, leaving him paralyzed below the neck.

Mark Cromie temporarily replaced Scott during the BMW Championship after Scott’s withdrawal. Cromie, who usually caddies for Chris Kirk, became available after Kirk missed the weekend cut by a single shot.

Previous Family Commitments and Caddie Transitions

This was not the first time Scott prioritized family over a tournament. In 2024, he skipped a round of the PGA Championship to attend his daughter’s high school graduation.

Scheffler has always supported Scott as a father, stating he would never want him to miss such moments. He also said he had been praying for Scott and his family during the emergency.

The temporary partnership with Cromie proved successful financially, as Cromie earned a $360,000 payout after Scheffler won the championship. However, even with a replacement, the bond between Scheffler and Scott remains central to his dominance.

Scott returned for the season-ending Tour Championship and helped Scheffler secure the title. It was a reminder that, at times, personal priorities come before professional commitments.

This article first appeared on DailyClubGolf and was syndicated with permission.

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