LOUISVILLE (AFP) — New dad Scottie Scheffler arrived at Valhalla on Monday afternoon and began practice for the 106th PGA Championship, searching for his third major title and fifth triumph in six starts.

World No. 1 Scheffler, who captured his second Masters title last month, has been idle the past three weeks while his wife Meredith gave birth to their first child, a son named Bennett whose arrival last week set the stage for Scheffler to compete for the Wanamaker Trophy.

“I had high expectations of what that would feel like and those were far exceeded,” Scheffler told The Golf Channel.

“I thought it would be pretty great and it’s a pretty amazing feeling.”

“It was fairly challenging leaving the house this morning but I’m here, I’m committed to playing this week, I’m excited to be out here competing. I told my little man when I was leaving, ‘I don’t want to leave but I got to leave.’”

The 27-year-old American’s status had been uncertain with no public confirmation of the baby’s arrival. Scheffler said he was able to “get some good work in but not my usual stuff” for the major showdown.

“I feel like I’m extremely prepared,” Scheffler said.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot.”

Scheffler has won four of his past five starts, only a Houston Open playoff loss keeping him from a perfect stretch including Bay Hill and The Players in March and the Masters and Heritage in April.

“I’m called to come out here and do things to the best of my ability. I knew I had to be here today to get some practice in,” he said.

“It would have been challenging if I had left Wednesday night but it was pretty challenging this morning.”

‘I had high expectations of what that would feel like and those were far exceeded.’

As for those challenges, Scheffler asked, “If anybody has got any diaper advice, I could use it.”

Scheffler spent time on the practice range and short-game area, including chats with defending champion Brooks Koepka and two-time major winner Jon Rahm, before playing the back nine.

“I’m sure right now he welcomes talking about anything but golf,” said Rahm, a father himself.

Scheffler said he was happy at being able to see players and get their congratulations on Monday.

“More significant break than I would have but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything,” Scheffler said.

“As the week goes on, I’ll get more and more immersed in what I’m doing, just try and do my best to stay as present as I can on the golf course.”

Scheffler and world number two Rory McIlroy will both tee off Thursday having won their prior two starts, Scheffler at Augusta National and the Heritage.

McIlroy’s wins came last month in a pairs event with Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Sunday with his fourth career title at Quail Hollow at the Wells Fargo Championship.

Four-time major winner McIlroy took his most recent major victory 10 years ago at Valhalla, edging Phil Mickelson by a stroke for his second PGA Championship.