Who is Xander Schauffele?

Who is Xander Schauffele? Golf’s newest major winner has four nationalities, is an Olympic gold medalist, and has been with his college sweetheart wife for 10 years

**Xander Schauffele had a memorable weekend in Louisville, Kentucky.**

On Sunday, Xander Schauffele achieved the biggest win of his career by capturing the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The 30-year-old held off Bryson DeChambeau by shooting an impressive 21-under-par. But what else do we know about Schauffele?

**Early Life and Background**

A native of San Diego, California, Schauffele is the son of Chen Ping-Yi and Stefan Schauffele. His mother, originally from Taiwan, spent part of her childhood in Japan. His father, Stefan, who has been his lifelong swing coach, was born in Germany to a French mother and a German father.

**Education and Early Career**

After winning the California State High School Championship in 2011, Schauffele started his college career at Cal State Long Beach before transferring to San Diego State. He turned professional in 2015 and made his PGA debut the following year. Schauffele quickly developed a reputation as one of the best players in the world, currently holding the No. 2 ranking.

**Coaching and Mentorship**

Stefan Schauffele has been a constant presence in Xander’s career, serving as his swing coach. Schauffele also works with coach Chris Como.

**Achievements**

Schauffele’s PGA Championship victory is his first major win, adding to a list of significant accomplishments. He has eight PGA Tour wins, including the 2017 Tour Championship and the 2022 Scottish Open. He was part of Team USA’s Ryder Cup victory in 2021 and won an Olympic Gold Medal in individual play at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

**Personal Life**

Schauffele has been married to his wife, Maya, since 2021, but they have known each other for much longer. They met while he was at San Diego State University and she was at UC-San Diego. Maya has been a supportive presence throughout his career, frequently traveling with him to tournaments, including the recent PGA Championship in Louisville and the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.

**Emotional Victory**

After his PGA Championship win, Schauffele spoke about the absence of his parents, who are currently in Kauai, Hawaii. He recounted an emotional phone call with his father before walking onto the 18th green. His father’s teachings and emotional support have been crucial throughout his career.

**Reflection on Success**

When asked how he finally secured his first major title, Schauffele attributed it to patience and self-belief. He expressed pride in how he handled critical moments on the course, showing growth and resilience that paid off in this significant win.

Schauffele’s victory at the PGA Championship marks a milestone in his career, showcasing his talent, determination, and the support system that has been instrumental in his journey.