Introduction
Some moments in professional sports bring more than just headlines—they reveal the deep human side of athletes and their support teams. One such moment occurred when Ted Scott, caddie to world number one golfer Scottie Scheffler, stepped away from competition due to a family emergency. In this article, we explore what happened, who Joel is, how the golfing community responded, and what this says about the powerful bond between player and caddie.
1. Ted Scott and Scottie Scheffler: A Partnership Rooted in Faith and Trust
Ted Scott, an experienced tour caddie, previously partnered for 15 years with Bubba Watson before joining Scottie Scheffler in late 2021. Their connection began through mutual involvement in Bible study, and Scott agreed to caddie for Scheffler only after careful prayer with his family. Their partnership quickly yielded major success—including Scheffler’s first Masters in 2022—and has since become a central part of his ascent to world number one.
2. What Happened: Ted Scott’s Sudden Leave for a Family Emergency
On August 10, 2025, Ted Scott suddenly departed the FedEx St. Jude Championship during the final round to return home to Louisiana due to a family emergency. While his exact reason for leaving remained private, Scott referred to it as “a devastating family emergency,” calling it one of the hardest experiences in his life.
In his own Instagram post, Scott commented:
“Many of you know that I left the St. Jude Classic early … Because we had a devastating family emergency … Probably the hardest thing I’ve ever walked through in my entire life.”
3. Who Is Joel? A Closer Look at the Family Behind the Scenes
Though media coverage didn’t explicitly explain Joel’s role, a touching gesture helped shed some light. At the Tour Championship, Scottie Scheffler was seen wearing a yellow ribbon in support of Ted Scott’s nephew, Joel—showing solidarity and empathy within the PGA Tour community.
4. How Other Caddies and Chaplains Stepped In
Scott’s absence led to trusted figures stepping up:
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Brad Payne, a PGA Tour chaplain and president of the College Golf Fellowship, stepped in during the final round of the St. Jude Championship.
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For the following week’s BMW Championship, Michael Cromie (regular caddie for Chris Kirk) caddied for Scheffler at Scott’s recommendation. Scheffler even won that event, his fifth title of the season, crediting Cromie’s preparation and calm under pressure.
5. Emotional Response and Community Support
At the Tour Championship in Atlanta, the golfing world rallied behind Ted Scott. The visible yellow ribbon worn by Scheffler was more than symbolic—it represented compassion and unity.
When asked about the situation, Scheffler offered limited comment, emphasizing the personal nature of Scott’s situation and drawing a boundary:
“I’m not going to answer anything like that. If that’s why you came out here, you’re not going to get much.”
By this time, Scott had returned to his role as caddie, reuniting with Scheffler for the Tour Championship as they aimed to make history in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
6. What This Reveals About the Player-Caddie Bond
This episode highlights how caddies like Ted Scott offer much more than technical support—they’re emotional anchors, confidants, and integral members of a golfer’s success. Scheffler has often credited Scott not just for his experience, but for their shared values and the emotional stability he provides. Ted Scott caddie.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Ted Scott leave Scottie Scheffler’s bag mid-tournament?
A1: He took leave from the FedEx St. Jude Championship on August 10, 2025 due to a private and serious family emergency in Louisiana.
Q2: Who is Joel, mentioned in relation to Ted Scott?
A2: Joel is Ted Scott’s nephew. Scottie Scheffler wore a yellow ribbon at the Tour Championship as a gesture of support for Joel and Scott’s family.
Q3: Who filled in for Ted Scott on the bag during his absence?
A3: Brad Payne, a PGA Tour chaplain, stepped in for the final round of the St. Jude Championship. For the BMW Championship, Michael Cromie, a fellow tour caddie, filled in.
Q4: Did Scott return to caddie at the Tour Championship?
A4: Yes, Ted Scott reunited with Scheffler at the Tour Championship after addressing his family emergency.
Q5: What does this situation reveal about Scottie Scheffler and Ted Scott’s relationship?
A5: It underscores the trust, shared values, and emotional bond between them—marked by faith, loyalty, and mutual respect that extends beyond the golf course.
Conclusion
Ted Scott’s brief absence from the bag due to a family emergency was a poignant reminder: behind every great golfer is an even stronger support system—one built on friendship, faith, and unwavering commitment. The solidarity shown by Scheffler and the broader PGA Tour community speaks volumes about the depth of this bond.
