Tour Championship Yellow Ribbons Honor Caddie Ted Scott’s Nephew

The world of professional golf is often seen as a fiercely individualistic pursuit, but this week, it showcased its profound capacity for collective compassion. The sight of yellow ribbons adorning the hats and bags of players and caddies at the season-ending Tour Championship was a powerful, silent testament to a private family struggle that brought the tight-knit community together in support of one of its most respected figures: caddie Ted Scott.

Scott, the longtime looper for world number one Scottie Scheffler, had been absent during Scheffler’s victory at the BMW Championship, with the golfer only stating his caddie was where he “needed to be.” The reason for his sudden departure from the FedEx St. Jude Championship became heartbreakingly clear upon his return. In a moving Instagram video, Scott revealed he left to be with his family following a devastating emergency involving his nephew, Joel. While the specific nature of Joel’s injury was not disclosed, Scott described it as one of the hardest challenges he has ever faced, requesting prayers for his nephew’s recovery. The golf community responded with an outpouring of support that extended far beyond social media comments.

Why Were Players Wearing Yellow Ribbons at the Tour Championship?

The yellow ribbons seen on players like Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, and their caddies were a direct and unified gesture of solidarity for Ted Scott and his nephew, Joel. In a sport where silence is golden, this visual symbol became a universal language of hope, care, and collective prayer. The ribbon served as a public acknowledgement of a private pain, showing Scott that even while he was navigating a personal crisis, his PGA Tour family was standing with him. This act transformed the competitive grounds of East Lake Golf Club into a platform for empathy, demonstrating that some things are far more important than tournament standings and prize money.

The display highlighted the deep bonds formed between caddies, players, and staff after years spent traveling together. It was a reminder that behind the spectacular shots and major championships, the golf world functions as a close community, quick to rally around one of its own during a time of need. The gesture ensured that Scott, even while focusing on his caddying duties, felt the continuous support of his peers throughout the final event of the season.

The emotional weight of the situation was palpable. Scott shared his profound gratitude for the support he received from friends, family, and tour colleagues, noting that those “carrying the burden with me, that are crying with me, that are praying with me, they really are helping.” His return to the bag for Scheffler at East Lake signaled a tentative step back to normality, underscored by the visible signs of compassion from every corner of the course.

The powerful display of yellow ribbons at the Tour Championship went beyond a simple symbol; it was a heartfelt message from the entire golf world to Ted Scott and his family, proving that in times of crisis, community support is the ultimate victory.

Must Know

What happened to Ted Scott’s nephew?
Ted Scott’s nephew, Joel, suffered a significant but undisclosed injury. Scott described the situation as a devastating family emergency and one of the hardest things he has ever had to endure, prompting him to leave a tournament early to be with his family.

What is the meaning of the yellow ribbons in golf?
At the 2025 Tour Championship, the yellow ribbons worn by players and caddies were a symbol of support, hope, and prayer for the recovery of Ted Scott’s nephew, Joel. It was the golf community’s unified way of showing solidarity with the Scott family.

Why did Ted Scott miss the BMW Championship?
Ted Scott missed caddying for Scottie Scheffler at the BMW Championship to attend to a private family matter, which was later revealed to be the serious injury suffered by his nephew, Joel.

Is Ted Scott still caddying for Scottie Scheffler?
Yes, Ted Scott returned to his role as Scottie Scheffler’s caddie for the Tour Championship following his absence during the BMW Championship.