AUGUST, Ga. — Papa Scheff? Check. Sisters? Check. Now, the final piece of the Scheffler clan has played Augusta National.
At 1:37 p.m., the defending champion began his Masters preparation on No. 1 alongside his playing partner — mother, Diane.
“This is so special,” Scottie’s father, Scott, said aloud to fans at No. 1 tee. “I’m getting emotional.”
As the elder Scheffler batted away tears, Scottie and his caddie, Ted Scott, greeted Diane on the member’s tee box.
“I like driver here,” Scottie, laughing, advised his mom.
Diane agreed, pulling off a head cover and sailing a shot to the right side of No. 1 fairway.
“Nice,” Scottie said.
On Sunday before Masters Week, Augusta National encourages past champions to bring a guest to play the course.
Last April, Scottie invited Molly, his younger sister. A year later, Diane was sitting on a steel bench in Central Park when her son called with an idea. A Sunday stroll at Augusta? Done deal.
“Isn’t this incredible?” said Christy Lambert, a patron from San Diego. “Scottie might not win the Masters again, but he’s already won son-of-the-year.”
Prior to teeing off with mom, Scottie, donning a beard, blue polo and khaki pants, handed out trophies to the winners of the Drive, Chip & Putt — Boys 12-13 age division.
Moments after the ceremony, contestant Hudson Blake pulled Scheffler to the side.
“What’s your favorite worship song,” Hudson asked.
Scottie retrieved a cell phone from his pocket and shared the answer: “Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.”
“That was pretty cool,” Hudson said.
