By anyone’s standards, Xander Schauffele has enjoyed an extraordinarily successful season already.
The Californian triumphed in Major championships not once but twice, he bagged three runner-up finishes and ended inside the top-10 15 times in 21 starts. Not to mention, he hasn’t missed a single cut and won over $18 million along the way.
Taking a look at his stats, Schauffele was second in Strokes Gained: Total, first in scrambling, and second in scoring average – all compared to 150-plus of his PGA Tour peers.
And yet, there was one pretty talented young man who – remarkably – did even better with eight titles (including Olympic gold). In any other year, Schauffele would have been a dead cert for PGA Tour Player of the Year – following in the footsteps of some of the game’s greats.
However, because Scottie Scheffler is around, the World No.2 admitted this week that he feels he is actually nowhere near in with a shout of taking home the title when the award is presented in a couple of months’ time.
Scottie Scheffler won Olympic gold – one of eight victories on the year
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking at the Zozo Championship ahead of a first individual start since the Tour Championship, Schauffele admitted he would have to enjoy a career year to stand a chance in the future.
Asked what exactly he would have to do in order to win PGA Tour Player of the Year, Schauffele half-joked: “I mean, it seems I need to have the best year ever. I just had my best year ever and wasn’t really close.
“I’m pretty content with how I played and where my game is at. If I can keep on doing what I’m doing, I’d be very pleased.”
Awards aside, the 30-year-old went on to reflect on his season as a whole – one that featured a victory at both the PGA Championship and the Open Championship.
He said: “[This year] was a dream come true. Winning two majors in a season is, you know, you sort of dream of that stuff and for me to be able to do it is very special. So I will always remember 2024.”
Xander Schauffele with the PGA Championship trophy
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Unlikely to be a coincidence in terms of Schauffele’s step to the next level, his decision to look externally for a swing coach has certainly paid off.
Prior to hiring swing coach, Chris Como late last year, the two-time Major winner was…
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