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Masters on the Line: Scheffler and Burns Prepared to Walk Away for Fatherhood

In an unprecedented turn of events for the world of professional golf, two major golfers, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns, have declared their intent to withdraw from the annual Masters Tournament if their respective wives go into labor during the competition. With both Meredith Scheffler and Caroline Burns due to give birth within the next few weeks, the highly anticipated event at Augusta National could see a significant upset in its lineup.

The 2022 Masters champion Scheffler and his wife Meredith are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their first child. After marrying in 2020, Scottie now stands at the precipice of his potential second victory at the prestigious golf tournament. “It’s going to be pretty wild. I don’t think it’s hit either of us quite yet, but it’s an exciting time for us as a family,” Scheffler told Golf Digest.

Burns is also looking to make a splash at this year’s Masters by securing his first major win at the prestigious PGA tournament. He and his wife Caroline, who have been together since childhood, are also on the cusp of welcoming their first child into the world.

This is not the first time that professional golfers have been faced with the challenge of juggling their careers and family life during major events. Golf Digest recalls Phil Mickelson’s experience at the 1999 Masters, where he kept a beeper handy during the final round, anticipating the birth of his first child. Mickelson secured second place behind Payne Stewart, and his wife Amy gave birth the very next day.

However, what sets Scheffler and Burns apart from their predecessors is the firm commitment they have made to prioritizing their families over their professional aspirations. When asked about what defines him during a recent press conference, Scheffler responded, “Golf’s something that I do … but it doesn’t define me as a person. I’m a faithful guy, I believe in a Creator, I believe in Jesus. Ultimately I think that’s what defines me most.”

As fans and fellow professionals alike watch with bated breath, Scheffler and Burns’ situations illustrate the delicate balance between personal and professional life that athletes in all disciplines must maintain. By standing up for their convictions and demonstrating that family comes first, these two golfers are sending a powerful message to the world of sports – and, indeed, to all people – that one’s career should not define one’s entire life.

As the 2024 Masters Tournament prepares to tee off, millions of fans will be keeping a close eye on the unfolding drama surrounding Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. Whatever the outcome of the eagerly anticipated event, one thing is for certain: the decisions these two men make in the coming days will not only have a profound impact upon their lives but will also set a precedent for future generations of athletes who face similar crossroads in their own careers. Making the sacrifice to prioritize their families amidst the pressure of competition, these golfers have already demonstrated what truly matters in life – and that, in itself, is a priceless victory.