Why Did Fans Call Schauffele a Choke Artist?

Xander Schauffele, despite being a seven-time PGA Tour winner and an Olympic gold medalist, faced criticism from some golf fans on social media after narrowly missing out on victory at The Players Championship over the weekend.

Heading into the final round of the PGA Tour’s flagship event with a narrow one-stroke lead, Schauffele seemed poised for success. However, bogeys on holes 14 and 15 allowed World No.1 Scottie Scheffler to seize the opportunity and claim victory, making history as the first player to successfully defend the title in the 50-year history of The Players Championship. Despite finishing with a final-round 70, Schauffele ended up one shot back, settling for a T2 finish.

While Scheffler’s stellar performance and the pressure from other competitors like reigning US Open champion Wyndham Clark and reigning Open champion Brian Harman added to the intensity, Schauffele’s late-round struggles did not go unnoticed. Some critics labeled him a “choke artist” on social media, citing his missed opportunities and near-misses in major tournaments.

This marked Schauffele’s second runner-up finish at The Players Championship, adding to his quest for a first career major title. Currently ranked fifth in the world without a major title, Schauffele is determined to break through and silence his detractors.

In response to the criticism, Schauffele acknowledged the disappointment of falling short once again but expressed determination to bounce back. Despite the setback, he remains focused on the positives and looks ahead to future opportunities, including the upcoming Valspar Championship, where he is a warm favorite.

Schauffele emphasized the need to move forward and learn from each experience, highlighting his resilience and determination to succeed despite the setbacks.