Xander Schauffele never doubted himself. It turns that Tiger Woods didn’t, either.
Schauffele, who recently dropped the “best-player-never-to-win-a-major” label after a stunning PGA Championship triumph at Valhalla Golf Club on Sunday, always believed his moment would come. He didn’t even care that he was generally the one who used the moniker. He thought he was the best, too.
“I believe in positive self-talk,” Schauffele said on Sunday, holding the Wanamaker Trophy, when asked if he had ever doubted his ability to win a major. “I shall tell myself and speak to myself. I just continued doing it. “When you believe something strongly enough, it will happen.”
But before Sunday, his time had not come (0 for 27 in his prior majors). He started the final round at Valhalla tied for the lead, but he was just 2 of 8 in his career to convert 54-hole leads or co-leads into triumphs. The week before the PGA, he led the Wells Fargo Championship after 54 holes, but Rory McIlroy won by six in the final round.
He’d been close in majors before the PGA, with 12 career top-10 performances, but hadn’t finished the job. Then came Sunday, when he posted a six-under 65 and made crucial up-and-downs for par and birdie on the final two holes to beat Bryson DeChambeau by one.
Finally, Schauffele had a major. He also obtained an SMS from Tiger Woods. Schauffele discussed what was mentioned in this week’s episode of GOLF’s Subpar podcast.
“He texted me, ya know, and I think he is right; he’s been through it all himself,” Schauffele stated. “But he texted me something along the lines of, ‘You know, all those times you were close, I think that hardened you for this moment.'” I’m proud of you. It’s incredible. I could not be more proud of you. That was a fantastic text from T-Dub.”
There may be more important titles to come. Schauffele stated that this achievement has only served to increase his motivation.
“It’s just like a drug,” he explained. “You just want to keep having that feeling.” I suppose my favorite sensation in golf is being in the hunt, regardless of the outcome. That adrenaline you get when you’re in contention heading down the stretch is why I enjoy golf and sports in general, and I’ve had plenty of that sensation, which is extremely lucky for me. So, obviously, winning is great, but getting into these huge tournaments is even better.”
You can listen to Schauffele’s whole Subpar appearance below, as he takes down everything from PGA Week.