Xander Schauffele response to criticism is heartwarming
Xander Schauffele faced criticism after falling short at the Wells Fargo Championship, acknowledging his need to improve his short game to return to the winner’s circle after nearly two years on the PGA Tour. Despite his efforts, Rory McIlroy’s outstanding performance overshadowed Schauffele’s, leading to social media backlash dubbing him the ‘biggest choker’ on the…
Xander Schauffele faced criticism after falling short at the Wells Fargo Championship, acknowledging his need to improve his short game to return to the winner’s circle after nearly two years on the PGA Tour. Despite his efforts, Rory McIlroy’s outstanding performance overshadowed Schauffele’s, leading to social media backlash dubbing him the ‘biggest choker’ on the PGA Tour.
With 21 top-10 finishes since his last victory in 2022, Schauffele entered the final round with a four-shot lead, only to see it dwindle to one shot by McIlroy. Despite briefly regaining a two-shot lead with an eagle, Schauffele faltered, allowing McIlroy to surge ahead with birdies and an eagle of his own. Schauffele’s struggles on the 12th and 13th holes handed the title to McIlroy, who secured a commanding victory, finishing five shots ahead.
Reflecting on the match, Schauffele credited McIlroy’s exceptional abilities, acknowledging McIlroy’s length off the tee and precision on the greens. Despite feeling in control off the tee and hitting remarkable iron shots, Schauffele admitted that his short game, a deciding factor in tournament victories, faltered, ultimately costing him the title.
Despite recent runner-up finishes, Schauffele’s performance at the Wells Fargo Championship propelled him to third place in the Official World Golf Rankings, as he aims for his first major title at the upcoming US PGA. He also earned a substantial sum of $2.1 million from the tournament.
As the focus shifts to the US PGA, World No.1 Scottie Scheffler remains a favorite to win back-to-back majors, with McIlroy’s odds slashed following his recent victory. Brooks Koepka, the defending champion, also poses a strong challenge in the betting market.
Additionally, uncertainty surrounded Scheffler’s participation in the US PGA due to his wife’s pregnancy, but recent news confirmed his availability after the birth of their child. With McIlroy eyeing his fifth major title after a decade and Koepka defending his championship title, the competition at the US PGA promises excitement for golf enthusiasts.
