Xander Schauffele’s critics once questioned his nerve and ability to clinch golf’s most coveted titles. Now, the 30-year-old PGA Tour sensation from San Diego is silencing them with his unstoppable run in major championships. Following his maiden major victory at the PGA Championship in Valhalla Golf Club two months ago, Schauffele added another prestigious title to his name by winning the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club.
On a dramatic Sunday where seven golfers were within a shot of the lead held by Billy Horschel, Schauffele emerged as the victor, lifting the Claret Jug at the iconic links course on Scotland’s west coast. Matching his final-round performance at the PGA Championship, Schauffele posted a brilliant 6-under 65, bringing his 72-hole total to 9-under 275. This impressive score left him two strokes clear of both Horschel and England’s Justin Rose, with South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence another shot behind.
In an era defined by stellar performances, Schauffele’s feat is particularly noteworthy. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he is the first golfer in the Masters era (since 1934) to achieve multiple final rounds of 65 or better in majors within the same year. Furthermore, his triumph extends the American golfers’ winning streak in majors to seven consecutive victories, a run not seen since 1974-1977. Remarkably, 2024 marks the first year since 1982 that U.S. golfers have won all four majors—Scottie Scheffler claimed the Masters, while Bryson DeChambeau secured the U.S. Open.
Schauffele’s victory at Royal Troon not only underscores his dominance but also places him in elite company. He is the first golfer since Brooks Koepka in 2018 to win two majors in a single season. Additionally, he joins a select group of players, becoming only the seventh golfer to win both the PGA Championship and The Open in the same year, a feat last accomplished by Rory McIlroy in 2014.
The path to Schauffele’s victory on Sunday demanded immense patience and precision. Starting his final round with five consecutive pars, he trailed behind Horschel, Lawrence, and Rose. However, his fortunes changed with back-to-back birdies on the 6th and 7th holes, making the turn at 2-under 34. The notoriously challenging par-4 11th, known as The Railway, proved no obstacle for Schauffele. He expertly avoided trouble off the tee and delivered a near-perfect approach shot from 171 yards to within 2½ feet, securing a birdie that pushed him to 6 under. When Lawrence bogeyed the 12th, Schauffele seized the opportunity and moved into a tie for the lead.
Schauffele’s control of the game intensified with successive birdies on the 13th and 14th holes. A 16-foot uphill putt on the par-4 13th and a 12½-footer on the par-3 14th elevated him to 8 under, granting him a two-stroke lead with just four holes remaining. A further birdie on the par-5 16th extended his lead to three shots, effectively sealing his victory.
Schauffele’s latest achievement adds another chapter to his rapidly growing legacy. As he prepares to defend his gold medal at the upcoming Olympics tournament outside Paris next month, the golfing world watches in anticipation. With two major titles already under his belt this season, Xander Schauffele has firmly established himself as a formidable force in the sport, transforming doubt into undeniable triumph.
