By Xander Schauffele has emerged as a potential successor to Tiger Woods’ legacy in golf. After clinching his second major win with a stunning final-round 65 at Royal Troon, Schauffele is now being considered as a serious contender to join the ranks of golf’s all-time greats.
With Tiger Woods missing the cut for a third consecutive major, the golfing world is looking for the next dominant force. Over the years, several players have come close to challenging Woods’ supremacy, including Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth. However, none have managed to sustain their dominance.
Schauffele’s recent victory at The Open, where he became the first player since 2014 to win both the PGA Championship and The Open in the same season, has solidified his status as a top player. This year, he has shown remarkable consistency and skill, particularly in challenging conditions.
The 30-year-old American has long been recognized as one of the game’s top talents, with nine PGA Tour wins and an Olympic gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Games. Despite his previous struggles in major tournaments, Schauffele’s performance in 2024 has been exceptional. He held off Bryson DeChambeau to win his first major at the PGA Championship in May and followed it up with a dominant display at Royal Troon.
Schauffele’s ability to perform under pressure was evident when he needed a birdie at the par-five 18th to win at Valhalla and avoid a play-off. He holed from six feet to finish with a score of 21 under, the lowest 72-hole score in men’s major history.
Sky Sports’ Dame Laura Davies highlighted Schauffele’s newfound aggression and confidence as key factors in his recent success. His victory at Valhalla released the pressure that had been building over years of near-misses, and he is now ranked No. 2 in the world.
Schauffele himself acknowledged the importance of his first major win in helping him stay calm during the final round at Royal Troon. He emphasized the mental challenges of winning a major and how his previous experiences had prepared him for this moment.
Looking ahead, Schauffele has set his sights on completing the career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only five players in history. He believes that visualizing success is crucial to achieving it and is determined to continue his pursuit of greatness.
Schauffele’s consistency and adaptability make him a formidable competitor in any conditions. Since his debut at the US Open in 2017, he has missed only three cuts in 30 major appearances and has twice shot the record-equalling low round of 62 in men’s major championships.
Sky Sports’ Andrew Coltart praised Schauffele’s belief and ability to handle challenging conditions, noting that his game has no weaknesses. Schauffele’s triumph at Royal Troon has cemented his place among the world’s best, and he is ready to take on the challenge of becoming golf’s next great player.
With the fire still burning brightly, Schauffele’s journey to the top of the golfing world is far from over. His recent successes have shown that he has the talent, mentality, and determination to potentially fill the void left by Tiger Woods and become the new face of golf.
