Xander Schauffele’s victory at the PGA Championship not only garnered him a major title but also a treasured congratulatory note from none other than golf icon Tiger Woods.
Triumphing at Valhalla, Schauffele led from start to finish, narrowly defeating Bryson DeChambeau by a single stroke and scoring a six-foot birdie on the final hole that will long be imprinted in his memory.
After a run of near misses, the Ryder Cup hero has finally shrugged off the ‘almost man’ nickname, demonstrating his immense talent to claim his place among golf’s greats.
With this big hurdle passed, Schauffele is now projected to further increase his trophy collection in the years ahead.
However, it is Woods’ personal nod that properly emphasizes the significance of his victory.
“He texted me, and I think he is right–he’s been through it all himself,” an overjoyed Schauffele told SubPar.
“But he wrote me something like, ‘You know, all those times you were close, I believe that hardened you for this moment. And I am proud of you. It’s incredible. I could not be more proud of you. That was a wonderful SMS I received from TW.”
Despite previously being labeled as golf’s nearly man due to 11 top-10 finishes without a major, Schauffele’s poise on the final 72nd hole putt demonstrated his mental strength and competence under duress.
“So much is flying through your mind: ‘If you make this, you win, if you make this, you transform your life, this is what you’ve always wanted.'” I was thinking a lot while going through my routine, and the longer I go, the more I thought.”
Schauffele had never won a major golf tournament before (Image: Getty Images).
Schauffele, who won Valhalla, indicated that his drive for more success has only grown as a result of his recent victory. Indeed, the golfer is currently among the favourites to win the US Open and The Open Championship at Pinehurst No. 2 and Royal Troon later this summer.
“I’m more driven, not because I wasn’t before,” Schauffele said after his triumph on Sunday. “This is like a drug, and you want to keep enjoying the sensation. I have been fortunate. I suppose my favorite feeling in golf is being in the hunt, regardless of the outcome.”
Schauffele remarked, “That excitement when you’re in contention heading down the stretch is why I play golf and enjoy sports in general. I’ve experienced a lot of those feelings, and while winning is great, getting into the hunt at these big events is even better.
