Xander Schauffele Blows Field Away at Royal Troon

Author: golfworld.com.au   Date Posted:24 July 2024 

Schauffele Blows Field Away at Royal Troon

Xander Schauffele has once again proven his prowess at Royal Troon Golf Club, as he won his second major of the year. His final-round 65 was the lowest round of the day by two shots and proved to be the difference to second-place Justin Rose.

Schauffele followed the same routine that won him the PGA Championship earlier this year, and this consistency yielded the same winning result. This is his ninth PGA TOUR title and marks a turning point in his career. Known for his Sunday struggles during a two-year winless drought that ended at the PGA Championship, Schauffele has now solidified his reputation as a closer. With multiple major championships under his belt, he's established himself as a formidable challenger to Scottie Scheffler for the PGA TOUR’s top honours, including the FedEx Cup and the Jack Nicklaus Award.

“It’s a dream come true to win two majors in one year,” Schauffele said Sunday evening. “It took me forever just to win one, and to have two now is something else.”

The weather at Royal Troon was a notable challenge, with conditions more suitable for a carwash than a golf tournament.

“It was very difficult,” said Schauffele, who is now No. 2 in the FedEx Cup standings behind Scheffler, who finished T-7 and eight shots back. “Winning the first one helped me a lot today on the back nine. I felt a sense of calmness that was very helpful during one of the hardest back nines I've ever played in a tournament.”

Unlike his PGA Championship victory in May, where a birdie on the 18th hole secured his win, Schauffele’s performance at Troon was marked by birdies on Nos. 11, 13, 14, and 16, leaving little doubt about his victory. Despite Justin Rose’s strong performance, he couldn't match Schauffele’s late surge.

“A guy at the top of his game,” Rose said of Schauffele. “He has all the attributes of a great player and champion. Winning seems easy for him now. He has a lot of power, skill with a wedge, excellence with a putter, and strong iron play.”

Schauffele’s skillset extends beyond his driving capabilities, which shone at Valhalla. His precision with irons at Troon was particularly impressive, gaining 10.33 strokes on the field on approach, second only in the tournament.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong,” said Mark Fulcher, Rose’s caddie. “It was fantastic to watch.”

The Open Championship at Royal Troon was a gruelling test, featuring all the challenges of links golf: fescue, gorse, pot bunkers, and unpredictable weather. Despite the harsh conditions, Schauffele remained his laid-back self, demonstrating his exceptional talent. During the day, he and Kaiser worked hard to keep grips and gloves dry, especially during Saturday’s torrential downpour when Schauffele shot a remarkable 69.

On Sunday, Schauffele delivered a seemingly nerveless performance, shooting a 4-under 31 on the back nine without making a bogey.

“This is probably the best round we’ve ever played in these conditions,” Kaiser said. “He played great at the PGA, but this was way more of a challenge today.”

For the first time since 1982, Americans hold all four majors in a calendar year. Schauffele’s Open victory raises the question: What’s next? After winning the PGA, Schauffele and Kaiser quickly began thinking about future majors. With two top-3 finishes at Augusta National and a worst finish of T14 in eight U.S. Opens, the career Grand Slam seems within reach.

“I could definitely see him achieving that, no problem,” Kaiser said.

Just a few months ago, Kaiser wondered how to help Schauffele reach the top. At the Wells Fargo Championship, Schauffele had led going into the final day but shot a disappointing 71, losing to Rory McIlroy (65). Schauffele hadn’t won since 2022.

There were many theories about the cause of Schauffele's struggles, but in the end, Kaiser believes it was about catching the right break at the right time. At the PGA, Schauffele’s birdie putt on the last hole barely dropped, securing a win over Bryson DeChambeau.

At The Open, the turning point came at the par-4 11th hole, known for its difficulty. While others, including McIlroy, hit their drives onto the tracks, Schauffele avoided disaster by staying just inbounds and birdieing the hardest hole on the course.

“Good breaks. Good dinners. All the attributes,” Kaiser said. “A few months ago, we were facing tough questions. Now, it’s all going Xander Schauffele’s way.”

 

Winner’s Bag!

DRIVERS:

FAIRWAYS:

IRONS:

WEDGES:

PUTTERS:

GOLF BALLS:

 

GOLF SHOES:

 

GOLF BAG:

 

Leave a comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up