### The Boy Who Saved for Three Years to See Scottie Scheffler – And the Moment That Changed Everything
Augusta, Georgia, December 25, 2025 – In a heartwarming story that has captured the hearts of golf fans worldwide and reminded us all of the true spirit of the holiday season, a young boy named Mason Hayes spent three dedicated years collecting cans, selling homemade cookies, and saving every single penny – all with one singular dream: to watch his idol, world No.
1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, play live at the Masters Tournament.
Mason, an 11-year-old from a modest family in rural Georgia, first discovered Scheffler during the 2022 Masters when Scottie won his first green jacket. Watching on a small TV at home, Mason was mesmerized by Scheffler’s calm demeanor, powerful swings, and unshakable faith.
“Scottie is like a superhero,” Mason told his mom, Emily, a single mother who works as a waitress. “He never gives up, and he always thanks God. I want to see him play in person one day.”
From that moment, Mason began his quiet mission. Every afternoon after school, he roamed the neighborhood collecting empty aluminum cans for recycling money. On weekends, he baked chocolate chip cookies using his grandmother’s recipe and sold them at local Little League games or church events for $3 a bag.
Birthday cash, chore money, even coins found in couch cushions – everything went into a green jar labeled “Masters Dream Fund.” Mason turned down new video games, sneakers, and trips to the movies. “It’s for Scottie,” he’d say with a determined grin.
Three years of hard work added up slowly but steadily. Mason learned the value of patience and perseverance, qualities he admired in Scheffler. But when the 2025 Masters arrived, the cheapest ticket on resale sites was $1,200 for a practice round – and Mason’s jar held only $950.
His mom tried to help, but bills and groceries came first. On the eve of the tournament, Mason sat on his bed, staring at the jar through tears. “It’s okay, Mom. Maybe next year.”
What Mason didn’t know was that his story had already begun to spread.
His elementary school teacher had posted about the “Masters Dream Fund” on a local Georgia golf Facebook group, sharing a photo of the jar and Mason’s handwritten note: “Saving to see #1 one time.” The post went viral within the Augusta golf community, shared thousands of times, eventually reaching members of the Masters tournament staff and, miraculously, Scheffler’s own team.
On the day of the third round – a sun-drenched Saturday where Scheffler was in contention for another green jacket – the gallery at Augusta National fell silent in collective awe as Scottie drained a 40-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, pumping his fist in rare celebration.
The roar that followed was deafening. In that moment of pure golf magic, a tournament official approached Scheffler on the 17th tee with a tablet. “You need to see this,” they said.
It was the viral post about Mason – the boy who had saved for three years just to see him play. Scheffler watched the short video of Mason counting his jar, eyes shining with hope. The world No. 1’s face softened. He nodded and said quietly: “Find him.
Bring him here.”
Within hours, Masters personnel located Mason and his mom watching the tournament on TV at home. A courtesy car arrived at their door: “Mr. Scheffler wants you at Augusta. Today.” Mason thought it was a prank until he saw the official Masters badge.
They arrived at the course in the final holes. Security escorted them through the tunnels to the player-family area near the 18th green.
As Scheffler walked off after his round (a brilliant 66 that put him in the lead), he spotted Mason immediately – the boy clutching his green jar, eyes wide with disbelief.
The moment was captured on video and broadcast live on ESPN: Scottie Scheffler, still in his playing attire, walked straight to Mason, knelt down, and hugged him tightly. “I heard you saved for three years to come see me play,” Scheffler said, voice thick with emotion.
Mason could only nod, tears streaming. Scheffler smiled: “You don’t need that jar anymore. You’re my guest for the rest of the week – best seats, backstage, everything. And tomorrow, you’re walking inside the ropes with me.”
But Scheffler went further. He announced on the spot: “Mason’s story inspired me. Starting today, I’m launching the Scottie Scheffler Dream Fund – to help kids like him who love golf but can’t afford to see it live.
We’ll bring 100 kids to every major I play in next year, all expenses paid.”
The gallery, still lingering after the round, erupted in applause. Mason’s mom sobbed as Scheffler signed his glove and cap for her son, then posed for photos. “You’re the real champion today,” Scheffler told Mason. “Never stop dreaming big.”
The moment went viral instantly, viewed over 80 million times worldwide. #SchefflerAndMason and #MastersDream trended globally. Fans flooded social media with tears: “This is why we love golf,” “Scottie isn’t just the best player – he’s the best person.”
In his post-round press conference, Scheffler explained: “Golf gave me everything. Seeing that kid’s jar reminded me of my own journey – practicing on public courses, saving for lessons. If I can give even one child that feeling, it’s worth more than any green jacket.”
Mason, back home with his treasures, told local reporters: “Mr. Scheffler is my hero forever. He made my dream come true – and now he’s helping other kids too.”
The Scottie Scheffler Dream Fund launched that night with a $2 million personal donation from Scheffler, matched by the PGA Tour. By morning, fan contributions had pushed it past $10 million.
From the backroads of rural Georgia to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, Mason Hayes spent three years chasing a dream. Thanks to Scottie Scheffler, that dream didn’t just come true – it became a movement of kindness that will inspire countless others.
In a year of thrilling golf and major triumphs, Scottie Scheffler’s greatest shot came off the course. And for everyone who believes in the beauty of sports and kindness, this Christmas weekend became truly unforgettable.
