Xander Schauffle shows true character with eight-word Scottie Scheffler comment

Xander Schauffele Lauds Scottie Scheffler Ahead of FedEx Cup Showdown

As the 2024 FedEx Cup reaches its climax, two of golf’s most outstanding players this season, Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, are set to go head-to-head in what promises to be an exhilarating battle. Despite the intensity of their rivalry, Schauffele has expressed nothing but admiration for Scheffler, highlighting the mutual respect that defines their competition.

Schauffele, who has enjoyed a stellar year with victories at both the PGA Championship and The Open, recently spoke out about his fellow competitor’s extraordinary performance throughout 2024. At 30 years old, Schauffele recognizes the prowess of the 28-year-old Scheffler, who has also had a remarkable season, securing titles at the Masters and the Olympics. In a candid moment earlier this month, Schauffele admitted that Scheffler seemed to have his number and was quick to praise the World No. 1’s achievements.

“Scottie has been on another level this year,” Schauffele said, speaking ahead of the BMW Championship. “If you look at how much the 10th-best player in the world has earned, it doesn’t come close to what Scottie has made. That just shows you how well Scottie has played in these big tournaments.”

Scheffler’s earnings this season, totaling an impressive £16.7 million, are a testament to his consistency and dominance on the tour. Schauffele was effusive in his praise, acknowledging that Scheffler’s performance has been nothing short of elite. “Scottie has just been that much more elite. I think he deserves everything that he’s getting,” he added.

While Schauffele remains focused on his own goal of becoming World No. 1, he is realistic about the challenge, particularly with Scheffler maintaining such a formidable lead in the Official World Golf Rankings. Despite this, Schauffele approaches the situation with a blend of humility and determination, expressing pride in his own accomplishments while remaining resolute in his pursuit of the top spot.

“Becoming No. 1 in the world? It’s a very big goal of mine, yes,” Schauffele admitted. “And I’ve been told, yes, that Scottie is an outlier in several years, and I would be [No. 1]. But it’s not really good enough, is it? That doesn’t take away from what I’ve done or how I feel. I’m proud of the work that I’ve put in and with the people that are around me and that have helped me. I’m just going to keep knocking. That’s what I do.”

Schauffele’s respect for Scheffler extends beyond his individual performances. After Scheffler’s victory at the Olympics earlier this month, Schauffele described his American counterpart as being “way ahead” of the rest of the players on tour. Yet, despite recognizing Scheffler’s dominance, Schauffele remains undeterred in his own ambitions, particularly his pursuit of a career Grand Slam.

“The career slam has always been written down as something I’ve wanted,” Schauffele revealed. “Getting to two [majors] after not having one for such a long time is something that feels really good. Expectations can be a mean thing, and I think all people in sport have a certain amount of cortisol in the body. You stress, you get anxious, have hard times. I have.”

Reflecting on his journey, Schauffele recalled the aspirations he set for himself at a young age, ambitions that continue to drive him today. “So to get to two is great, and it makes me remember writing this stuff down with my dad at 13 or 14—number one player in the world, majors, all these things,” he said.

As the FedEx Cup draws to a close, the rivalry between Schauffele and Scheffler promises to deliver some of the most compelling golf of the year. While only one can emerge as the FedEx Cup champion, the mutual respect between these two competitors is a reminder of the sportsmanship that lies at the heart of the game.