“Xander Schauffele Sticking to Routine as He Aims for First Major Victory at Valhalla”

Xander Schauffele is set to compete in the final group at Valhalla on Sunday alongside two-time Major winner Collin Morikawa, aiming for his first Major title at the PGA Championship. Despite the high stakes, Schauffele insists his approach will remain the same as usual.

Schauffele and Morikawa lead the leaderboard at Valhalla, both standing at 15-under. Morikawa is chasing his second PGA Championship and third Major overall, while Schauffele looks to capitalize on his strong position. Schauffele began the week with an impressive 62, followed by consistent rounds of 68, despite a double bogey on the 15th hole on Saturday.

Morikawa, who secured his first Major at the 2020 PGA Championship, has recorded rounds of 66, 65, and 67, indicating he is capable of delivering another low score. The pressure will be intense for Schauffele, who has not won a tournament since July 2022 despite several close calls, most recently at the Wells Fargo Championship and the Genesis Invitational.

In these recent tournaments, Schauffele held a one-stroke lead over Rory McIlroy at Quail Hollow but ultimately fell behind. He also trailed Patrick Cantlay by two strokes at Riviera, before both faded and Hideki Matsuyama claimed victory. Despite these setbacks, Schauffele remains focused on his usual strategy.

When asked about his approach for Sunday, Schauffele emphasized staying in his lane and maintaining his game plan. “It’s another Sunday. I typically love Sundays. I need to stay in my lane and focus on what I’ve been doing, just worry about myself,” he said.

Reflecting on the potential significance of a victory, Schauffele’s response was characteristically modest. “It would mean a lot. Winning a tournament is just a result. All I can focus on are good golf shots and striking good putts. Wherever the cards fall, they fall. But yeah, it would mean a ton,” he added.

Schauffele and Morikawa will tee off at 2:35 p.m. local time on Sunday, with favorable weather conditions expected for a full day of action in Louisville.