Scottie Scheffler reiterated his pre-Masters Tournament commitment that he would withdraw from the first Major of the year if his wife was to go into labour early after finishing the first round in second place.
The World No.1 shot a sublime bogey-free 66 at Augusta National to sit just one shot back of leader Bryson DeChambeau, as he seeks a second Green Jacket after winning his first in 2022.
With Scheffler being the tournament’s overwhelming favourite to lift the title, many have joked that the only way he can be stopped is if Meredith, Scheffler’s wife, goes into labour early.
Mrs Scheffler is currently due at the end of the month, but should that be brought forward, the eight-time PGA Tour winner is ready to leave at a “moment’s notice”, even if he is leading the tournament.
"Maybe I should be more concerned," Scheffler said.
"I don't really know (laughter). People have asked us how our preparation is going for the baby. I feel like, well, we are a little underprepared.
"The nursery is not quite ready and we've had some issues at our house the last few weeks. I think that's the exciting part. I think we are definitely underprepared to be parents.
"As far as her going into labour, I wouldn't say I'm very concerned. We haven't seen any of the early signs. But pregnancy is weird. It can happen at any time. Yeah, open lines of communication and she can get hold of me if she needs to. Yeah, I'm ready to go at a moment's notice."
The 27-year-old has been in fine form of late, winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship back-to-back last month.
While the Masters Tournament triumph in 2022 may only be his only Major Championship victory, Scheffler was a cumulative 18 under par in the game’s four Major Championships last year - the best of any player.
“In my head, yeah, I should have won way more golf tournaments,” he said.
“Anytime I show up to a golf tournament, I'm hoping to win that golf tournament. If you ask Tiger Woods the same thing, he would say he hasn't won nearly as many golf tournaments as he should.
“I think that's part of what drives us as players, is we want to compete and we want to win out here. That's just part of it. Golf is not a very satisfying game, I would say.
“You win one week and then you show up the next week and you don't win. It's like, well, that's it. The win is over. Now I finished second. That's too bad.
“So it's just one of those sports where you're never really satisfied with the result.”
