The ONLY person who can stop Scottie Scheffler winning the Masters? Golf fans joke Augusta favourite's unborn baby is all that stands in his way, as he hopes heavily-pregnant wife doesn't go into labour this weekend

Golf fans have joked Scottie Scheffler's dream quest for a second Masters title could be derailed by his unborn baby after the American revealed his wife is only weeks away from giving birth.

The 27-year-old arrived at Augusta for the start of one of golf's most iconic majors as favourite and enjoyed a strong opening round on Thursday.

Shooting a six-under-par round of 66 to finish the day second on the leaderboard behind fellow American Bryson Dechambeau, Scheffler revealed his tournament could be interrupted by the impending arrival of his first child.

The world No.1 previously soared to victory at Augusta two-years ago and is  in a good position to get another green jacket having previously never finished outside the top-20 on his four previous visits to Augusta.

However, despite being one of the most closely-followed players at the Masters, Scheffler would have no hesitation in leaving early if his baby decides to make an early arrival.

Golf fans have joked Scottie Scheffler's dream quest for a second Masters title could be derailed by his unborn baby

Scheffler and his wife Meredith (right) are expecting their first baby together

Scheffler revealed that he 'better go home' if his wife calls him to say she is going into labour

'If she calls me while I'm on the 17th, then I better go home,' he told ESPN.

His wife Meredith previously caddied for Scheffler in the warm-up par-3 competition that precedes the opening day of the Masters but was absent for the event earlier in the week.

His sister, Sara, instead carried the clubs and Scheffler later commented on the 'wild' circumstances of his wife's pregnancy. 

'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,' Scheffler previously told Golf Digest.

'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,' he added.

Fans have since delivered some hilarious reactions to Scheffler's potential early exit at Augusta with one post on X stating: 'Great first day. If Scheffler has his baby, could be wide open.'

Scheffler starred during day one of the Masters by shooting a round of 66 to finish six-under-par

Another similarly added: 'Can anyone stop Scottie Scheffler from winning The Masters this year? If his 1st child wants to jump out to an early lead against the other babies it’s age, possibly. But Scottie’s play is probably the least “labor inducing” of any players on tour(s).'

Further comments piled in as Scheffler completed his impressive opening round with other posts reading: 'Of course Scottie Scheffler is 2nd! If he don’t have the baby he might take it AGAIN.'

'The only hope for the field might just be if Mrs. Scheffler has this baby,' stated another online post.

The American hotshot is set to embark for his second round on Friday afternoon at 1.48pm alongside Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele.