Xander Schauffele Sets Record with First Major Win at PGA Championship

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Xander Schauffele made history at the PGA Championship 2024 by winning his first major title with the lowest score in major championship history. Discover how Schauffele’s final birdie putt at Valhalla secured his victory and marked a career milestone.

In a stunning display of skill and perseverance, Xander Schauffele clinched his first major title at the PGA Championship, setting a new scoring record in the process. The Olympic gold medalist’s triumph at Valhalla was marked by a series of impressive feats, culminating in a dramatic birdie on the final hole. Schauffele’s six-foot birdie putt on the 18th secured his victory with the lowest score in major championship history, etching his name into the annals of golf history.

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A Week of High Drama at Valhalla

The PGA Championship at Valhalla proved to be a thrilling affair, with Schauffele emerging as the star of the week. The Californian, known for his cool demeanor, delivered a masterful performance, closing with a six-under-par 65 to finish at 21-under 263. This remarkable score surpassed the previous major record, shared by Brooks Koepka in the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive and Henrik Stenson in the 2016 British Open at Royal Troon, by one shot.

Schauffele’s path to victory was anything but straightforward. His journey was marked by several challenges, including mud on his golf ball on two critical holes along the back nine and a drive that bounced into a bunker on the 17th. Despite these obstacles, Schauffele’s resolve never wavered. His approach shot on the final hole, executed with his feet in the sand and gripping down on a four-iron, set up the winning birdie putt that would define his career.

The Final Showdown

Bryson DeChambeau, who finished two groups ahead of Schauffele, kept the pressure on until the very end. DeChambeau’s final-round 64, capped with a ten-foot birdie putt on the 18th, set the stage for a potential playoff. As Schauffele lined up his putt on the 18th, DeChambeau watched from the range, prepared for a playoff that never came. Schauffele’s putt broke just enough to catch the left edge of the cup, swirling around before dropping in. The crowd erupted as Schauffele celebrated with his caddie, Austin Kaiser, and DeChambeau graciously accepted defeat, acknowledging Schauffele’s incredible performance.

“I gave it my all. I put as much effort as I possibly could into it and I knew that my B game would be enough,” DeChambeau said. “It’s just clearly somebody played incredibly well. Xander’s well deserving of a major championship.”

Other Contenders and Notable Performances

Viktor Hovland, another strong contender, also had a chance to tie for the lead with a ten-foot putt on the 18th. However, he missed the birdie and a subsequent par putt, finishing third with a round of 66. Hovland’s performance, while impressive, wasn’t enough to match Schauffele’s consistency throughout the tournament.

The championship also saw remarkable rounds from other players. Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, who faced personal challenges and a brief arrest during the tournament week, managed to tie for eighth with a closing round of 65. Despite his setbacks, Scheffler’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure were commendable.

The rain-softened course at Valhalla led to numerous low scores, with both Schauffele and Shane Lowry tying the major record with rounds of 62 on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. These scoring feats added to the excitement and unpredictability of the championship, making it one of the most memorable in recent history.

Schauffele’s Road to Victory

For Schauffele, this victory was long overdue. The 30-year-old had been on the cusp of major success for years, with eight consecutive top-20 finishes in majors leading up to Valhalla. His career had been marked by near-misses, including a pair of runner-up finishes and six top-5s. Schauffele’s previous major performances demonstrated his potential, but the elusive major win had remained just out of reach.

In the months leading up to the PGA Championship, Schauffele had faced additional challenges. He lost 54-hole leads at both The Players Championship and the Wells Fargo Championship, with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy overtaking him with exceptional final rounds. These experiences, while frustrating, likely steeled Schauffele’s resolve and prepared him for the pressure he faced at Valhalla.

A Historic Achievement

Schauffele’s victory at the PGA Championship marks his eighth win on the PGA Tour, excluding his Olympic gold medal from the Tokyo Games in 2021. This win also propelled him to a career-best No. 2 in the world rankings, solidifying his status as one of the elite players in the game today. Moreover, his triumph assures him of a spot on the U.S. team for the upcoming Olympics, where he will have the chance to defend his gold medal.

Reflecting on his journey and the significance of his victory, Schauffele expressed his gratitude and determination. “I told myself this is my opportunity — capture it,” he said. And capture it he did, with a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Conclusion

Xander Schauffele’s historic win at the PGA Championship is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and mental fortitude. Overcoming numerous challenges and displaying remarkable composure under pressure, Schauffele secured his first major title with the lowest score in major championship history. This victory not only cements his place among golf’s greats but also sets the stage for what promises to be a stellar career ahead. As the golf world celebrates his achievement, Schauffele can savor the sweet taste of victory, knowing that he has finally captured the elusive major that he has long sought.