Scottie Scheffler’s caddie’s struggle with illness continues after the British Open.”
In the face of adversity, Ted Scott, the seasoned caddie for Scottie Scheffler, proves that dedication and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges.
TROON, Scotland— The lush fairways of Royal Troon, the historic site of this year’s British Open, witnessed not just an intense battle for golf supremacy but also a remarkable display of human endurance. On the second day of the prestigious tournament, Ted Scott, the caddie for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, faced an unexpected and formidable opponent: a debilitating stomach virus that left him struggling to fulfill his duties on the course.
As the sun cast its early morning glow over the Scottish greens, Scott’s condition became apparent. The veteran caddie, known for his unwavering commitment and calm demeanor, was visibly affected by what seemed to be food poisoning or a severe stomach bug. Throughout the day, Scott was seen lying on the ground or stepping away from Scheffler’s bag, a stark contrast to his usual steadfast presence.
Despite the dire circumstances, Scott’s resolve did not waver. Scheffler, who had managed to shoot a solid 70 to complete 36 holes at 140, five strokes behind the leader Shane Lowry, was deeply appreciative of his caddie’s efforts. “He seemed to feel better as the day went on,” Scheffler noted, his voice tinged with both relief and admiration. “The doc here took good care of him. But he did not sleep very much last night, apparently.”
The situation was fraught with uncertainty. “We didn’t know if he was going to be able to go this morning,” Scheffler admitted. “But he fought it out.” The sight of Scott lying down frequently during the round was both unusual and striking. On the ninth hole, Scott was even seen sitting on the 10th tee for about ten minutes while Scheffler and his group finished up, a rare and somewhat humorous sight given Scott’s typically steadfast role.
Scott’s struggle did not go unnoticed. “It was pretty funny,” Scheffler said with a chuckle. “You’re used to him being in one position, standing there by the bag, and then all of a sudden, he was literally sitting down. But he’s a fighter. He did a good job today and battled through it.” His resilience was a testament to his character and commitment to the sport and his player.
Ted Scott’s journey as a caddie is a storied one. He began his professional relationship with Scheffler in the fall of 2021, following a lengthy and successful stint with two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson. Since joining Scheffler’s team, Scott has been instrumental in all 12 of Scheffler’s PGA Tour victories, including both of his Masters wins.
The sight of Scott battling through illness to support Scheffler at such a high-profile event underscores the often-overlooked physical and emotional demands placed on caddies. Their role, while sometimes seen as secondary to the players they assist, is crucial to the success of the golfers they support.
As the British Open progresses, the story of Ted Scott’s determination serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication that underpins professional sports. His fight against illness, while a challenging episode, highlights the unyielding spirit that defines not only the athletes but also those who stand beside them on their journey to greatness.
