Xander Schauffele sums up Olympics difference to PGA Tour and LIV Golf in 14-word comment

Golf star Xander Schauffele has expressed that the desire to secure a top-three finish at the Olympic Games is even more intense for golfers than in traditional tournaments. The Californian, who has already triumphed at The Open and the PGA Championship this year, is aiming to add another Olympic gold to his accolades.

Schauffele, 30, emphasized the unique reverence that golfers, including those from LIV Golf, hold for the Olympics. Despite having two major titles and nine PGA Tour wins, he underscored the heightened importance of an Olympic medal. Schauffele’s commitment was evident as he tied for the lead with Spain’s Jon Rahm after the third round in Paris, with Team GB’s Tommy Fleetwood just one stroke behind in third place.

With the prospect of another Olympic medal in sight, Schauffele noted that golfers are fiercely determined to secure a podium spot, valuing it even more than usual. Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast (via The Mirror), Schauffele compared the players’ mindset towards the Olympics to that of the majors: “It’s pretty different. You’re essentially on a team. I approach it the same way [as a Major], to be honest. It’s a 72-hole stroke play and there’s 60 guys, and everyone is playing under their country, and everyone wants to win.

“The emphasis on second and third is a lot more than a normal tournament. You podium, versus if you don’t do well and you come in second or third, or if you’re doing well and then you fail at the end, you feel [bad]. In the Olympics, everyone is fighting to finish in the top three more so than any tournament, I’d say.”

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy echoed Schauffele’s sentiments. Initially lukewarm about participating in the Olympics when it was reintroduced at the 2016 Rio Games, McIlroy has since changed his stance. This year, McIlroy expressed that he would be honored to stand on the podium or even clinch a gold medal in Paris. Starting Sunday’s final round in sixth, the 35-year-old said, “It would be the achievement, certainly of the year. If not – I think for me, it’s well documented that I haven’t won one of the big four (majors) in 10 years. It would probably be one if not the biggest in my career for the last 10 years.”

McIlroy also spoke about his enjoyment of the competition, noting the vibrant atmosphere in Paris compared to Tokyo, which had restrictions due to COVID-19. “With so many events going on spread all across the city, for people to venture out here and to watch us play, it was a really cool atmosphere to play in. I was not expecting this. I thought the weekend might get a few more people. I thought the first couple of days might be a little bit quieter, but it was awesome. Tokyo was a ghost town. This was much better. I think the crowd support that we all got out there was amazing. Obviously, there’s a few more flags, and there’s a bit more nationalism. But we were all really well supported out there. It was great to see.”

In summary, both Schauffele and McIlroy highlight the heightened significance of the Olympic Games for golfers, who strive intensely for a podium finish, viewing it as a pinnacle of their careers.