The Ogre’s Bold Claim: Xander Schauffele Poised to Outshine Rory McIlroy in Career Slam Quest

The Ogre’s Bold Claim: Xander Schauffele Poised to Outshine Rory McIlroy in Career Slam Quest

In a declaration that sent shockwaves through the golf world, Stefan Schauffele, father of Open Champion Xander Schauffele, confidently predicted that his son would be the first of his generation to achieve the career grand slam. The elder Schauffele, who refers to himself as ‘The Ogre,’ made this bold claim following Xander’s recent triumph, which added the Claret Jug to the Wanamaker Trophy he secured at the USPGA Championship in May.

 

With this victory, the Californian golfer has positioned himself among the elite, aiming to join the ranks of legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen by winning all four major championships. Despite the presence of formidable contemporaries like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, each boasting three of the four majors, Schauffele Sr. is convinced his son leads the charge.

 

“It’s up to you guys to take a look at the statistics and see who has the greatest potential of being the next career grand-slammer because I think he’s the one who has the game,” Stefan Schauffele asserted. “Yes, I’m being subjective but I think, objectively, you will arrive at the same conclusion.”

 

Xander’s recent victory, achieved with clinical precision as he thwarted Justin Rose’s dreams by a comfortable two-shot margin, has certainly bolstered his candidacy. However, the competition remains fierce. Scottie Scheffler, for instance, looked poised for continued success after securing his second Masters title in three years, while Bryson DeChambeau’s back-to-back triumphs at the US Open and runner-up finish at the USPGA have established him as a formidable contender.

 

Jon Rahm’s performance in recent majors, including his Green Jacket in 2023 and his national championship win in 2021, also underscores the depth of talent vying for the career grand slam. Rahm’s adaptability to various courses, demonstrated by his strong finishes at Royal Troon and Hoylake, makes him a persistent threat.

 

While Schauffele’s recent dominance is compelling, the landscape can shift rapidly. McIlroy, for instance, could clinch the elusive grand slam at Augusta, or Spieth could achieve the feat at Quail Hollow. Schauffele, meanwhile, might target his final leg at the US Open at Oakmont, with Rahm and Scheffler also in the hunt.

 

Adding to the intrigue, Brooks Koepka, with five major titles to his name, needs only the Masters and Open to complete his grand slam. At 34, Koepka remains a formidable opponent.

 

Even veteran Phil Mickelson, despite being 54 and past his prime, will have another shot at the US Open, keeping fans on the edge of their seats whenever a major tournament rolls around.

 

The quest to join the legends injects an exhilarating dynamic into elite male golf, especially as the PGA Tour continues its negotiations with the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, which backs LIV Golf. This race for immortality could be the perfect antidote for the sport’s ongoing uncertainties.

 

The Schauffele camp is embracing the challenge head-on. Xander’s caddie, Austin Kaiser, is equally optimistic, stating, “After Xander won the [US]PGA, I looked at him and said, ‘Let’s go for the grand slam.’ Let’s do it. Why not? He’s right there. He’s played well in Augusta. He’s played well in the US Open. I definitely could see him achieving that. No problem.”

 

Xander himself, while more reserved, shares this ambition. “Before I had any majors it’s something I’ve always wanted,” he said. “I’m one step closer and still have a long way to go. But if you don’t see yourself doing it, you’re never going to do it.”

 

Schauffele’s temperament, a blend of Southern California coolness and inner fire, might be the key to his success. “Look, I may not be the guy running around fist-pumping, but that’s just who I am,” he said. “I kind of know how I need to be to perform at a high level. The same way I don’t get really angry, I also don’t let myself get too over the moon because to me it’s the same thing. I’ve kind of embraced this sort of So-Cal [Southern California], laid-back kid, but there’s obviously a fire burning deep within, or you wouldn’t have a couple majors sitting by your side.”

 

In 2024, Schauffele’s cumulative scores across the four major tournaments – 32-under – put him ahead of the pack, with Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa trailing at 17-under and 15-under, respectively. This impressive consistency has flipped the narrative around Schauffele, who was once seen as a perennial near-miss artist but is now viewed as a strong closer.

 

Stefan Schauffele is unwavering in his belief that his son’s time has come. “To me, clearly, this had to happen – it just had to,” he said. “But you guys [in the media] are very good at augmenting the pressure and you end with a little bit of a tightening in the rear end. So yes, maybe he is going to miss a shot or two. But now, the cork is out.”

 

As the golf world watches with bated breath, the stage is set for an electrifying race to join the legends of the sport.