2024 PGA Championship: Scottie Scheffler eagles first hole after month-long break
Scottie Scheffler, the world's No. 1 golfer, entered the 2024 PGA Championship as the tournament favorite. Even after missing nearly a month of play time waiting on the birth of his first child, Scheffler's incredible stretch prior to the hiatus -- winning four of five tournaments including the 2024 Masters -- made him a no-brainer atop odds boards heading into this weekend.
Several people believed Scheffler would not be as sharp this weekend because of the break, finally giving his opposition an opportunity to claim a tournament for themselves. However, just one hole into the tournament, it's clear that Scheffler hasn't skipped a beat. In fact, Dad Scheffler might be a whole new level of greatness.
2024 PGA Championship live updates: Xander Schauffele leads, Tiger Woods remains in the hunt
Scottie Scheffler: First Hole Eagle Video
Scheffler started the PGA Championship on the front 9, a 495-yard Par 4. The hole is known for its intimidating bunker placement that makes approach shots very difficult. Clearly, that didn't matter for Scheffler, who was able to knock his second shot of the hole into the cup.
WHAT ELSE DID YOU EXPECT?!
Scottie Scheffler holes out for eagle on his first hole at the @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/FkEKcKFZMB— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 16, 2024
Jim Nantz said it well. "Hello dad," and goodbye to every other golfer's hopes of winning a major this year.
What do we know about Scheffler's baby?
Scheffler's wife, Meredith, gave birth to a baby boy -- Bennett -- on May 8, per the PGA Tour. The couple have been rather private about the birth of their son, but they did announce the birth officially via Instagram on May 13.
What were Scheffler's championship odds heading into the weekend?
Despite his lack of time on the links in the last month, Scheffler entered the tournament as the odds-on favorite, per BetMGM. Scheffler's odds (+450) were nearly twice as good as the next closest golfer, Rory McIlroy (+750), and more than three times greater than the third and fourth place golfers -- Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele (both +1400).
How to watch the 2024 PGA Championship:
Thursday, May 16:
Streaming coverage begins at 7:00 a.m. ET - 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+
Broadcast coverage begins at 12:00 p.m. ET- 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN
Friday, May 17:
Streaming coverage begins at 7:00 a.m. ET - 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+
Broadcast coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. ET- 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN
Saturday, May 18:
Streaming coverage begins at 8:00 a.m. ET - 10:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Broadcast coverage begins at 10:00 a.m. ET- 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN
Broadcast coverage continues at 1:00 p.m. ET- 7:00 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+
Sunday, May 19:
Streaming coverage begins at 8:00 a.m. ET - 10:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+
Broadcast coverage begins at 10:00 a.m. ET- 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN
Broadcast coverage continues at 1:00 p.m. ET- 7:00 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+
Watch Scheffler: Stream the 2024 PGA Championship with an ESPN+ subscription
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Scottie Scheffler eagle his first hole at the PGA Championship