Masters favourite Scottie Scheffler pulls out of PGA Tour event weeks before Augusta bid

Scottie Scheffler has withdrawn from the Texas Children’s Houston Open just two days before it begins.

The four-time major winner was due to play at Memorial Park later this week, with the 2026 Masters just around the corner.

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Scheffler will no longer compete, but his absence is not related to any injury concerns.

In fact, as reported by the Golf Channel, the 29-year-old and his wife Meredith are expecting their second child imminently.

They welcomed their first child Bennett on May 8, 2024, which came just weeks after he won his second Masters title.

Scheffler’s triumph at Augusta that year came alongside a commitment that he would pull out if Meredith prematurely entered labour during the event – although thankfully for him, she didn’t.

This new development is not expected to impact the world no.1’s appearance at the 2026 Masters – which begins on April 9 – where he will be the overwhelming favourite.

Masters mission for Scottie

Although he is waiting on US Open glory to complete the career Grand Slam, the Masters will still be a huge target for Scheffler.

It’s eyed as the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, and boasts the exclusive Green Jacket for its winners.

Scheffler knows what it takes to get his hands on the iconic garms as he won the Masters in both 2022 and 2024.

His first triumph came with a three-stroke victory over Rory McIlroy, whilst Ludvig Aberg was just one behind two years ago.

Now in 2026, Scheffler is set to make his seventh appearance at the Masters in search of his third such title.

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He will join Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Nick Faldo and Phil Mickelson on three wins should he go all the way.

One of Scheffler’s key rivals at Augusta National this year will be the defending champion McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman became only the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam with his stunning victory last year.

Should he retain the title, McIlroy will be the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002. to win back-to-back Masters tournaments.

More to follow…