An Emotional Week at FedEx St. Jude as Scottie Scheffler Faces a Sudden Caddie Change

The FedEx St. Jude Championship, one of the most pivotal events in the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs, took an unexpected turn this week when Scottie Scheffler’s trusted caddie, Ted Scott, was forced to leave mid-tournament due to a family emergency. In an unusual twist, the tournament chaplain, Brad Payne, stepped in to carry Scheffler’s bag for the remainder of the event.

Ted Scott, a seasoned caddie with decades of experience and a vital part of Scheffler’s rise to World No. 1, was visibly emotional as he left the course early Thursday morning. While details of the family matter remain private, sources close to the team confirmed it was a sudden and pressing situation that required his immediate attention.

The departure of a caddie mid-event is rare, and for a player of Scheffler’s calibre, it presents a unique challenge. The player-caddie relationship in golf is deeply personal—built on trust, shared strategy, and countless hours of on-course communication. Losing that presence mid-round can disrupt rhythm, focus, and game plan.

Enter Brad Payne, the tournament’s chaplain and a long-time figure in the PGA Tour’s spiritual and player support network. Payne, who has been a pastoral presence for many tour players over the years, is no stranger to high-pressure environments—though not in the traditional caddying role. His decision to step in was both practical and symbolic, reflecting the close-knit nature of the golf community.

Speaking to reporters after the round, Scheffler acknowledged the unusual circumstances with a calm smile. “Obviously, it’s not something you plan for,” he said. “Ted’s family comes first, and I fully support him being where he needs to be. Having Brad step in was a blessing—he knows the tour, he knows the game, and he kept me grounded out there.”

Scheffler’s performance in the immediate aftermath was steady, though perhaps a touch more conservative as he adjusted to a different dynamic on the bag. Payne’s role was less about intricate shot strategy and more about keeping Scheffler focused, relaxed, and in good spirits.

Several fellow players commented on the situation, offering words of support for both Scott and Scheffler. “Ted’s one of the best in the business, and we’re all thinking of him and his family right now,” said Justin Thomas. “And hats off to Brad—stepping into a role like that with no notice is no small thing.”

Fans following the round witnessed moments of levity between Scheffler and Payne, as the chaplain occasionally injected humour into their walk between shots. “It’s not every day you see a chaplain giving yardages,” one spectator remarked with a laugh.

While the temporary change may not alter the course of Scheffler’s playoff run significantly, it’s a reminder that life off the course can impact even the most composed athletes. Golf, often seen as a solitary sport, is in reality a partnership between player and caddie—a relationship built on much more than carrying clubs.