Why did Scottie Scheffler’s caddie leave him mid-tournament? Truth behind the 3M Open exit

Aug 1, 2026, 6:23 PM CUT

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 07: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America looks on at the 11th hole during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 07, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 07 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603070383

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler thought he had a chance at the 3M Open. However, his caddie, Ted Scott, didn’t think so and left him before the tournament ended.

Scheffler carded a six-under-par 63 on Sunday. PGA Tour rookie Jackson Koivun had a three-stroke lead but still had two holes to play. A collapse could have opened a door of opportunity for the World No. 1, but his longtime caddie couldn’t see that happening.

“Ted watched you hit it on 16 in the locker room and went to the airport,” 3M Open executive director Hollis Cavner told Koivun after his win.

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 23: Scottie Scheffler of the United States and caddie Ted Scott walk off the tee box on No. 16 during the third round of the PGA, Golf Herren Tour Championship, August 23, 2025 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 23 PGA FedEx Cup Playoffs - Tour Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250823058

“He left. I go, 'There's a lot of golf left.' He goes, 'No, he'll hang.' That tells you when the caddie for the No. 1 guy in the world heads to the airport, and you've got two holes left to play that are over water, trouble everywhere," he added.

Scott was right. Koivun made par on the final two holes and secured his first PGA Tour victory. Finishing overall at 25-under, the rookie was able to win by three strokes over Scheffler.

Scott left for his home in Louisiana while Scheffler would later travel to his native Dallas, Texas.

Last year at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Scott had left mid-round due to a family emergency. Tour chaplain Brad Payne had taken his place.

In case Koivun had fumbled this time, Cavner mentioned the 30-year-old did have alternates to carry his bag.

"That shows you how much respect these guys have for you already. Scottie was around, but you know, it could have been, you know, Tracy [West, assistant executive director] might've been carrying the bag for Scottie if he didn't,” Cavner said, as reported by The Mirror's David Schneidman.

Completing his play five rounds earlier, Scheffler had to settle for his fifth runner-up finish this season.

The American Express victory in January remains Scheffler’s lone victory of the season. As for Koivun, he showcased nerves of steel to secure his breakthrough win.

Koivun on the 3M Open win

On a 97-degree afternoon at the TPC Twin Cities, Koivun featured at just his third professional start. With the crowd rooting for fan favorite Scottie Scheffler, the 21-year-old decided to break some hearts.

“All throughout the crowd I kept hearing, ‘Scottie’s coming. Scottie’s coming,’” Koivun said, as per the PGA Tour. “I just tried to tune that out and keep playing the golf I knew I could.”

Koivun had a three-stroke lead after 56 holes and managed to hold on to that as Ted Scott expected. His par-saving putt on the 9th green was the highlight of Sunday.

Koivun ended up with the tournament total record score of 25-under 259. He became the fourth rookie winner this season.

What are your thoughts on Ted Scott’s decision to leave Scottie Scheffler mid-tournament? Share them in the comments.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi