Scottie Scheffler's massive family surprise on Masters arrival after event withdrawal

Scottie Scheffler turned up at Augusta National on Sunday with the entire family in attendance, including the newest and youngest addition,a nine-day-old baby boy called Remy, who may well be the youngest individual ever to step onto the grounds of the most renowned golf course in the world.

The golf world number one had pulled out of the Houston Open two weeks earlier, citing a family matter, with no additional details given at the time. On Sunday, the explanation became apparent.

Scheffler disclosed that his wife, Meredith, gave birth to their second child on March 27, the same day Tiger Woods was arrested on DUI charges following his Jupiter Island rollover crash.

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While the golf world was preoccupied by that story, the Scheffler family was quietly welcoming Remy into the world.

"We had another boy a couple of weeks ago, and it's been really nice and fun," Scheffler told Golf Channel's Cara Banks. "I'm really glad they were able to travel with me this week. My wife is a trooper and brought the boys this week, and it's been fun."

Meredith was seen near the famous oak tree by the Augusta National clubhouse, pushing Remy in a pram. Scheffler's parents, Scott and Diane, were also on the grounds alongside the couple's first son, Bennett, who was born in May 2024 ahead of the PGA Championship.

The Schefflers now have two boys under the age of two. When questioned about the name, the two-time Masters champion was typically direct. "We just liked it," he said. "We didn't have very many good boy names, to be honest with you."

Scheffler hasn't competed since The Players Championship at the start of March, where he finished joint 22nd, eight strokes behind the winner.

The prolonged absence wasn't initially intended, as he'd hoped to feature in at least one of the Texas tournaments to prepare for Augusta, but family took priority. He has spent the time at home maintaining his form. "I've been practicing," he said. "I've been able to do a good amount at home."

Despite his absence from tournament play, Scheffler remains the early bookmakers' favourite to claim the Masters this week, priced at +550 with BetMGM.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy, who was also at Augusta National on Sunday, attended the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals and the Augusta National Women's Amateur trophy presentation. Bryson DeChambeau is second favourite in the betting at +1000.

Scheffler opted to spend his Sunday playing a practice round at Augusta with his long-time manager, Blake Smith, who had never experienced the course before.