At The Open, the task is navigating whatever happens to be in front of you that week, that day, that hour. It’s rarely fair, and never easy. They each reflect the culture they exist within, and the types of champions they produce.
To see Xander and Stefan Schauffele embrace – Xander holding on tight, Stefan’s sunglasses unable to conceal the tears that flowed from behind – was a reminder of the spell this beautifully dumb game has on so many of us.
For all that the former US Open champion performed with notable distinction en route to a tie for second place in the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, there is certainty that he is nearer the end of his career than the beginning.
The book on Xander Schauffele heading into this year’s major season said he couldn’t close after finished in a tie for second at The Players. After his performance Sunday at Royal Troon, Schauffele clearly is in the midst of a major rewrite.
Schauffele certainly got the job done with his irons. He ranked second in strokes gained/approach the green, picking up more than 10 shots on the field average. He also ranked second in greens in regulation.
Reigning PGA champion Xander Schauffele, who has played on the past two US squads and is currently third in the US team rankings, was one of the first to weigh in on Bradley’s appointment – and his Schauffele’s request makes a lot of sense.
Poor shoulder alignment is a problem because golfers tend to swing their arms – and by extension, the club – in the direction their shoulders are pointing.
While Schauffele expressed support for his fellow player, he also revealed that his group chat with Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler and a few others made sure to rib the reigning Masters champion for his run-in with the law.
Schauffele opened the PGA with a stunning 62 to become the first golfer to shoot the lowest 18-hole score twice in major-championship history, while his 21-under-par winning total was also the lowest in major history. This is his blog from Valhalla Golf Club.
We often hear snippets about Schauffele – like Jordan Spieth calling him the funniest player in the Ryder Cup locker room – but it’s likely fans don’t know the full backstory on one of golf’s biggest stars. Here are 15 of the most important things to know about the 2024 PGA champion.
Australian Golf Digest
