LOUISVILLE, Ky. – “It had to be this way, baby!” That’s what swing coach Chris Como exclaimed as he celebrated with Xander Schauffele’s friends and family at the 106th PGA Championship. Xander Schauffele, who hadn’t won in 22 months, finally claimed his first major title in a dramatic finish.
Despite previous close calls at The Players and the Wells Fargo Championship, Xander Schauffele showcased his resilience. His caddie, Austin Kaiser, noted, “He just needed everything to fall into place.”
Schauffele’s journey to this victory included a shift in coaching. Last fall, he brought Como to work alongside his father and longtime coach, Stefan Schauffele. The collaboration aimed to refine his driving technique and increase his ball speed, which were crucial changes that paid off.
“Just like any good dad would, he just wanted to set his kid up for a successful future,” Schauffele said. “Now that I’m working with Chris, he feels he can take his hands off the wheel.”
Throughout the tournament, Schauffele’s driving distance and consistency improved noticeably. He accomplished a historic feat by being the first player to achieve two rounds of 62 in any major competition.
Despite challenges faced during the final round, he remained composed enough to clinch victory with an important birdie on hole number eighteen, securing his position at twenty-one under par- which established a new record for the lowest score relative to par ever achieved in a major championship event.
He showcased clutch performance by triumphing over obstacles like a bogey on the par-5 10th hole and complex shots on the 16th and 17th. His ultimate birdie at the concluding stage undisputedly spoke to his unwavering resolve and proficiency.
“He showed grit, and that’s who he is as a person,” Kaiser said. “He never gives up.”
Reflecting on his journey, Xander Schauffele said, “It’s just remembering that your time is going to come. You hit it too well; you’re too strong mentally. It’s going to come.”
This major win is a significant milestone for Schauffele, cementing his status among golf’s elite. His father, watching from Hawaii, was overwhelmed with emotion.
“It made me pretty emotional,” Schauffele said. “I told him I had to hang up because I couldn’t show up looking the way I was.”
Schauffele’s victory at Valhalla marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and strategic changes. As he lifted the trophy, it was clear that his time had come, earning his place as a major champion.
