MASTERS favourite Scottie Scheffler could be forced to withdraw from the tournament.

The first major of the year gets underway at Augusta on Thursday and Scheffler will fancy his chances of picking up another green jacket.

The world number one is showing good form ahead of the prestigious event, which he won in 2022.

However he may not make it to the final day this week – even if he makes the cut.

That is because his wife Meredith is heavily pregnant with the couple’s first child.

According to the Golf Channel Scheffler, 27, has vowed to withdraw from The Masters to be with his partner in Dallas if she goes into labour.

He said: “It’s going to be pretty wild. I don’t think it’s hit either of us quite yet, but it’s an exciting time for us as a family.

“It’s been a pretty exciting last seven months or so, and we’re looking forward to hopefully getting the baby out of there nice and healthy and with a healthy momma, and then we’ll go from there.”

Scheffler and wife Meredith are childhood sweethearts and they are not the only golf couple expecting a baby.

Fellow American Sam Burns and his wife Caroline are in the same situation, with their baby expected in just over a week.

Burns, who starred in the Ryder Cup, has also pledged to withdraw if necessary to fly back to Louisiana.

Scheffler will tee off tomorrow alongside Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele.