Xander Schauffele, the World No. 3 golfer, prepares to defend his Open Championship title at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. After winning the Open last year at Royal Troon with four birdies in his final eight holes, Schauffele is aiming to become the first player since Padraig Harrington to secure consecutive Open victories.
Challenges and Experience Ahead of the Tournament
Despite his previous major wins—including the PGA Championship at Valhalla and The Open last year—Schauffele has faced setbacks this season, including a rib injury and no tournament victories so far. Nonetheless, he showed promising form recently by tying for eighth at the Genesis Scottish Open. His experience with links golf courses has helped, but he acknowledges the learning curve remains steep.
“There’s typically a good wave and a bad wave in an Open Championship,”
Schauffele said Tuesday.
You just keep your fingers crossed that you’re in the good wave and try and play well. If you’re not, fight for your life and make the cut and then try and do something on the weekend.
—Xander Schauffele
Schauffele also shared insights on handling links conditions, pointing out the subtle differences from week to week on these unique courses.
“I think even from last week to this week, we actually have divots flying this week. Last week was ball mark-less and divot-less,”
he explained, adding how understanding ball behavior in the fescue bushes and how the grass interacts with the club is critical.
“More of it’s just the mentality. I think, when you say links golf, it comes with weather, and when you play in bad weather, you have to have a good attitude.”
—Xander Schauffele
Preparing Mentally and Strategically for Success
Schauffele has performed steadily in this year’s major championships, finishing tied for eighth at the Masters, 28th at the PGA Championship, and 12th at the U.S. Open. His previous visit to Royal Portrush in 2019 resulted in a tied 41st place, but he feels more confident approaching the tournament this time.
“Coming here, I feel like I’m trying to relearn this golf course, get comfortable with certain sight lines, some blind tee shots,”
he said.
“I think, if I can get myself in the mix is when I think I would have an advantage. That’s where my biggest edge would be. I can lean on experience at other points in time, but I think the most fun and the biggest advantage I would have is coming down the stretch if I can get close to that lead.”
Strong Competition in the Early Rounds
During the first two rounds at Royal Portrush, Schauffele will be grouped with Spain’s Jon Rahm and J.J. Spaun, the reigning U.S. Open champion. This trio will test both his skill and composure as he attempts this remarkable back-to-back Open Championship defense.
Historical Context and Potential Legacy
No golfer has successfully defended the Open Championship title since Tiger Woods in 2005-06 and Padraig Harrington in 2007-08. Should Schauffele succeed, it would mark a significant milestone in his career and the history of the sport. His experience navigating links courses in the British Isles, combined with his evolving mental approach, could prove decisive as the event unfolds.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Xander Schauffele a smoker?
A. She worked as a caddie for Schauffele during the Par 3 Contest at the 2024 Masters Tournament. Schauffele enjoys smoking cigars. His father first gave him a cigar to try when he was 10 years old. The Montecristo No. is his preferred type of cigar.
Q. Is Xander Schauffele a Liv player?
A. He has confessed to meeting with LIV in the past but decided not to join them. He has criticized Tour commissioner Jay Monahan for negotiating a funding agreement with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which supports LIV. Since 2017, he has played in the PGA Tour and is currently ranked as the world No. 5.
Q. Is xander schauffele a liv?
A. Xander Schauffele’s father said that Xander won’t be joining LIV Golf. This decision comes after Xander’s big win at the PGA Championship. He managed to claim his first major title with a remarkable one-stroke victory at Valhalla, finishing at the top in a high-scoring event.