Category: Celebrities

Xander Schauffele Challenges Colin Montgomerie’s Call for Tiger Woods to Retire

In a candid response to Colin Montgomerie’s suggestion that Tiger Woods should retire, Xander Schauffele has voiced strong support for the golfing legend. Schauffele, a top contender at The Open, made his feelings clear even before Woods began his round at Royal Troon.

 

Fifteen-time major champion Woods, 48, struggled at Royal Troon, recording a 36-hole score of 14-over-par, which led to his early exit. Despite this, Schauffele dismissed Montgomerie’s assertion that it’s time for Woods to step away from professional golf.

 

Montgomerie, 61, faced backlash for his comments in The Times, where he expressed concern over Woods’ current form: “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him. There is none of that now. At Pinehurst, he did not seem to enjoy a single shot, and you think, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon and he won’t enjoy it there either.”

 

Montgomerie’s doubts didn’t stop there. He suggested Woods should have retired by now, but Schauffele couldn’t disagree more. The Olympic gold medalist expressed his hope that Woods continues to play for as long as he feels capable.

 

“Whether it’s his honest opinion or not, the game of golf needs him [Woods], needs him desperately,” said the 2024 PGA Championship winner. “Selfishly, I want him to play as long as possible. It just helps all of the guys out here, just with the amount of eyeballs that someone like Tiger Woods brings to golf.”

 

Woods, who has faced significant injuries from a life-threatening car crash, responded to Montgomerie’s remarks with his characteristic determination. He pointed out that Montgomerie, unlike himself, never won a major, making his opinion on retirement irrelevant.

 

“Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” said Woods ahead of The Open. “Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do. So, when I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t.”

 

Despite his poor performance in Scotland, Woods has no plans to retire soon. Schauffele, 30, was pleased to hear that Woods’ passion for the game remains strong.

 

Montgomerie later clarified that his comments were taken out of context and wished Woods success in his quest for a fourth Open title.

 

While Woods’ on-course activity has decreased, his influence on golf remains substantial. He has been a pivotal figure in supporting the PGA Tour against the rise of LIV Golf, demonstrating the kind of leadership that will ensure his lasting impact on the sport long after his competitive days are over.

Xander Schauffele delivered a back-nine performance for the ages at Royal Troon on Sunday, capturing the coveted Claret Jug and securing his second major victory in just three months. As Scottie Scheffler reigns as the dominant world No. 1, Schauffele’s achievements this season prompt a debate: could he be recognized as the champion golfer of the year?

Walking across the 18th green to a standing ovation, Schauffele was honored as the year’s “Champion Golfer” after his triumph at The Open. Having already secured the US PGA Championship at Valhalla in May, Schauffele might seem the obvious choice for this title. However, Scottie Scheffler’s consistent dominance, despite finishing tied for seventh at 1-under, keeps the debate alive among golf enthusiasts.

When asked about his status, Schauffele remained humble, saying, “I don’t really think that way. I’m just trying to win as many of these things as I can and play the best golf I can and be a decent guy. I’ll let you ponder that one.”

Billy Horschel, who led overnight, praised Schauffele but acknowledged Scheffler’s unparalleled consistency. “He’s the second-best player this year in the world. No one has played better than him in my opinion. He’s got two majors,” Horschel said. Despite Scheffler’s multiple victories and a major, Horschel emphasized Schauffele’s elevated game this year.

Justin Rose, tying with Horschel for second at 7-under, lauded Schauffele’s game, noting his exceptional skills with various clubs and his calm demeanor under pressure. “He plays with a freedom that tells you he’s probably not feeling a ton of the bad stuff. He’s got a lot of runway ahead and a lot of exciting stuff ahead, I’m sure,” Rose commented.

Americans at Troon: A Legacy of Dominance

Royal Troon, known for its challenging course, has seen a remarkable record of American victories. Schauffele’s win adds to this legacy, with Americans historically dominating The Open at Troon since Arnold Palmer’s success in 1962.

 

Tom Weiskopf in 1973, Tom Watson in 1982, Mark Calcavecchia in 1989, Justin Leonard in 1997, and Todd Hamilton in 2004 are all part of this illustrious list. Henrik Stenson’s 2016 victory is the only exception to American dominance in recent years.

 

Schauffele reflected on his strategy, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the course’s unique demands. “I felt like I just controlled a lot of what I was trying to do, and the moments where I was losing control – if I hit it offline and into the fescue – I wasn’t too worried about it because it’s links golf,” he explained. His ability to navigate the challenging terrain and avoid trouble proved crucial to his success.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Golf’s New Star

As the major season concludes, Schauffele’s stellar performance at The Open solidifies his place among golf’s elite. While the debate between Schauffele and Scheffler continues, one thing is clear: Schauffele’s mastery at Royal Troon and his second major win this year mark him as a formidable force in the world of golf.

 

With his blend of skill, strategy, and calm under pressure, Schauffele’s future in the sport looks incredibly bright. Whether he’s deemed the champion golfer of the year or not, his journey and achievements are sure to captivate fans and set a high bar for excellence in the game.

Xander Schauffele: A Dream Realized with a Second Major Triumph

Xander Schauffele described his latest victory as a “dream come true” after clinching his second major title in quick succession at the 152nd Open, completing an American clean sweep of the game’s most prestigious titles.

 

Schauffele delivered a flawless closing round of 65 at Royal Troon, finishing nine under par, two shots ahead of overnight leader Billy Horschel and Justin Rose. Rose, who had been aiming to become the first English winner of the Claret Jug since 1992, put up a strong challenge but ultimately fell short.

 

South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, who had held the lead after 11 holes in the final round, ended up fourth, one shot behind Horschel and Rose after carding a 68.

 

“I just can’t wait to drink out of it,” Schauffele said, holding the Claret Jug. “It really is a dream come true to be holding this. It means a lot; it’s something all of us play for. It definitely hasn’t sunk in yet, and I can’t wait to sit back and have a moment with this Claret Jug.”

 

Schauffele, who set a major record of 21 under par to win the US PGA at Valhalla in May, became the first player to win two majors in a year since Brooks Koepka in 2018. The world number three is also the seventh American winner in the last eight Opens at Royal Troon, with Sweden’s Henrik Stenson being the exception after his thrilling duel with Phil Mickelson in 2016.

 

Now, Schauffele heads to Paris to defend his Olympic title, riding high on his recent form. His last 10 starts have seen him finish no worse than 18th, with notable performances including an eighth-place finish at the Masters and seventh at the US Open, along with his US PGA triumph where he birdied the 72nd hole to edge out Bryson DeChambeau by a shot.

 

Reflecting on his performance, Schauffele noted, “I thought it would help me, and it did. I had this sense of calm that I didn’t have playing the PGA. I said to my caddie Austin (Kaiser) that I felt calm on the 18th tee, and he said he felt like he was about to puke.”

 

Rose, seeking to become the first qualifier to win the Claret Jug since Paul Lawrie in 1999, was also aiming to set a new record with a 4,053-day gap since his 2013 US Open victory at Merion. His prospects looked promising after birdies on the second and fourth to overtake Horschel, and again with a birdie on the eighth. However, a bogey on the 12th halted his momentum at a crucial time.

 

Lawrence, playing alongside Horschel, adopted an aggressive approach that paid off with birdies on the third, fourth, seventh, and ninth, putting him in the lead. But Schauffele, who had covered the front nine in 34, then made a decisive move. A stunning approach to the 11th left Schauffele with a tap-in for the only birdie of the day on the daunting par four. Another birdie on the 13th took him into a share of the lead, and Lawrence’s bogey on the 12th handed Schauffele an advantage he never relinquished.

 

Further birdies on the 14th and 16th gave Schauffele a comfortable three-shot lead. He completed a composed final two holes with pars before Rose birdied the 18th to cap off a superb 67. Horschel also finished strong with birdies on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, joining Rose in second place. Lawrence finished another shot back after saving par on the last despite a challenging second shot into a bunker face, which flew back over his head onto the fairway.

 

Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who led by two shots at the halfway stage but struggled with a 77 on Saturday, shot a final-round 68 to finish sixth. Jon Rahm, Sungjae Im, and Scottie Scheffler were three strokes further back in seventh. Masters champion and world number one Scheffler had been within two of the lead until a surprising four-putt on the ninth resulted in a double bogey, ending his title challenge.

Xander Schauffele’s Journey: From Heartbreaking Misses to Major Triumphs with Wife Maya by His Side

After enduring multiple majors where victory slipped through his fingers, Xander Schauffele now stands triumphant with two major wins in a single season, both celebrated alongside his wife, Maya.

The American golfer secured his second major title of his career—and of 2024—by fending off Justin Rose at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon on Sunday afternoon.

As the 30-year-old stepped off the 18th green, ready to be crowned the Champion Golfer of the Year, Maya was there to embrace him, joined by his proud parents.

Tears of pride glistened in Maya’s eyes as she hugged her husband, sharing an emotional moment after his victory at Troon.

Here, DailyMail.com delves into their relationship and Maya’s background.

Who is Maya Lowe?

Maya Lowe graduated from the University of California in 2017 and went on to complete a Masters in Health Care Administration/Management at the University of Maryland. According to Golfweek, she was working for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, although her LinkedIn profile has since been deleted.

Schauffele and Maya have been married since 2021, but their story began much earlier. The couple met in college in 2014 while Xander was playing golf at San Diego State University and Maya was a student at UC-San Diego. They decided to tie the knot at their home in Las Vegas in 2021.

Throughout Xander’s career, Maya has been a constant presence, supporting him at major tournaments. She was seen celebrating with him in Louisville after his PGA Championship victory and again at Royal Troon. Maya also accompanied Xander to the Ryder Cup in Rome last year.

Though they do not have children, the couple are devoted parents to their two dogs, Chewie and Momo. Chewie, a French bulldog, joined their family in 2019 and was dressed in a tuxedo for their wedding, while Momo sported a white-ribbon bow.

Before his recent triumph at Troon, Schauffele’s PGA Championship victory was his most significant achievement, marking his first major win. Despite several near-misses, including six top-five finishes in majors and runner-up positions at The Masters and the British Open, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Schauffele boasts eight PGA Tour wins, including the Tour Championship in 2017 and the Scottish Open in 2022. Additionally, he was part of the victorious Team USA at the 2021 Ryder Cup and clinched an Olympic Gold Medal in individual play the same year.

Xander Schauffele’s journey from near misses to major victories is a testament to his perseverance and talent. With Maya by his side, celebrating every milestone, his story is one of dedication, support, and triumph.

Xander Schauffele’s Unprecedented Victory at The Open: A 42-Year Milestone

 

Xander Schauffele delivered a remarkable performance at The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, securing his place in history with a victory that will be remembered for years.

 

The American golfer emerged victorious with a two-shot lead over Justin Rose and Billy Horschel, capturing his second major title of the year. Schauffele’s achievement of winning both the PGA Championship and The Open in the same season marks the first time since Rory McIlroy accomplished this feat in 2014.

 

This win also solidifies a clean sweep for American golfers in this year’s majors, following the triumphs of Scottie Scheffler at The Masters and Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open. Schauffele’s victory, however, stands out as the most impressive, given the ferocious challenge posed by Royal Troon’s course.

 

Facing intense pressure, Schauffele excelled in every aspect of his game, particularly on the back nine, where he shot four-under—a feat only three others managed that day. The 30-year-old’s composed performance under such conditions highlighted his exceptional skill and determination.

 

Starting the final day level with Schauffele, Justin Rose played an outstanding round of 67, coming agonizingly close on several putts that might have changed the outcome. Despite these near-misses, Schauffele’s final round of 65 will go down in history as one of the greatest ever at The Open.

 

In matching McIlroy’s achievement, Schauffele also joined Jack Nicklaus as the only players to shoot 65 in the final round of multiple majors to claim victory. Furthermore, he followed in the footsteps of legends Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth, becoming the third player to finish in the top eight in all four majors and win more than one in the same year.

 

Among the top ten finishers, 54-hole leader Horschel tied for second with Rose. World No. 98 Thirston Lawrence, who led briefly, faded on the back nine to finish fourth. Russell Henley secured fifth place, just ahead of 2019 champion Shane Lowry. Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Sungjae-Im shared seventh place, each finishing the championship at one-under-par.

 

Englishmen Dan Brown and Matthew Jordan capped off a fairy-tale week by tying for tenth alongside Adam Scott.

 

Xander Schauffele delivered a golfing masterclass to win The 152nd Open at Royal Troon.

Xander Schauffele’s Historic Triumph: A 42-Year First at The Open

Xander Schauffele showcased an extraordinary golfing performance to claim victory at The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, delivering one of the most impressive wins in recent memory.

 

The American golfer clinched his second major title of the year with a two-shot victory over Justin Rose and Billy Horschel. This triumph marks Schauffele as the first player since Rory McIlroy in 2014 to win both the PGA Championship and The Open in the same season.

 

Schauffele’s win also capped off a dominant year for American golfers in the majors, following Scottie Scheffler’s victory at The Masters and Bryson DeChambeau’s win at the US Open. Yet, Schauffele’s victory stands out as arguably the most remarkable.

 

The challenging conditions at Royal Troon proved too much for many of golf’s elite, but Schauffele navigated the course with remarkable composure. Under intense pressure, the 30-year-old delivered a near-flawless performance, shooting four-under on a back nine where only three others managed to break par.

 

Starting the final day level with Schauffele, qualifier Rose also played an outstanding round of 67, narrowly missing several crucial putts that could have altered the outcome. Nevertheless, on a day when shooting 65 seemed almost impossible, Schauffele’s final round will be remembered as one of the greatest in Open history.

 

Schauffele not only matched McIlroy’s feat but also became the first player since Jack Nicklaus to shoot 65 in the final round of multiple majors to secure victory. Additionally, he joined the elite company of Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth as the third player ever to finish in the top eight in all four majors and win more than one in the same year.

 

In the top ten, 54-hole leader Horschel tied for second with Rose, while World No. 98 Thirston Lawrence, who led briefly, faded on the back nine to finish fourth. Russell Henley secured fifth place, just ahead of 2019 champion Shane Lowry. Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Sungjae-Im shared seventh place, each ending the championship at one-under-par.

 

Englishmen Dan Brown and Matthew Jordan completed a memorable week, tying for tenth alongside Adam Scott.

Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas collapse in spectacular fashion at The Open

 

As Scottie Scheffler glanced at the weather forecast for the final day of The Open, anticipation coursed through him. The elements had mercilessly lashed Royal Troon on Saturday, but predictions promised calmer winds ahead. This meant a golden opportunity: birdies on the front nine followed by a gripping battle to maintain the lead.

 

Scheffler, along with his Ryder Cup teammate Justin Thomas, found themselves within striking distance of the leaders. At precisely 13:34, Thomas approached the first tee box, a mix of expectation and hope evident in his demeanor. He knew a round in the 60s could place the coveted claret jug within his grasp by the end of the day.

 

However, at 13:36, Thomas’s tournament took a disastrous turn. Reaching into his Tour bag for a fresh golf ball, he had just hit one of the wildest tee shots of the year, carving it so far right it nearly ended up on the beach. Shot tracking couldn’t even register it. This catastrophic error resulted in a triple bogey, effectively ending his challenge right at the outset.

 

Scheffler’s journey was markedly different but equally dramatic. Two consecutive birdies on the 7th and 8th holes propelled the world number one closer to the top of the leaderboard. Yet, just as his hopes soared, they were dashed at the 9th hole. Out of nowhere, he incurred a double bogey, a blow that extinguished his chances of claiming a third major title.

 

The reigning Masters Champion’s expression spoke volumes as he navigated the rollercoaster of emotions. The dream of another major slipped through his fingers, leaving him to wait another eight months for a shot at defending his green jacket.

 

In the end, it was a day of what-ifs and near-misses for Scottie Scheffler—a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf and the relentless quest for greatness.

Xander Schauffele sends ‘selfish’ retirement message to Tiger Woods after brutal verdict

In a dramatic twist at The Open, Xander Schauffele has emphatically rebuffed Colin Montgomerie’s recent suggestion that Tiger Woods should retire. The golfing legend, Woods, 48, endured a tough outing at Royal Troon, finishing 14-over-par across the first two rounds, prompting Montgomerie’s controversial remarks.

 

Before Woods even teed off, Montgomerie, 61, had told The Times, “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him. There is none of that now. At Pinehurst, he did not seem to enjoy a single shot, and you think, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon and he won’t enjoy it there either.”

 

Montgomerie’s blunt comments were met with significant backlash, as many, including Schauffele, rallied in Woods’ defense. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at Troon (via The Mirror), the 2024 PGA Championship winner made it clear he sees Woods’ continued presence in golf as vital. “Whether it’s his honest opinion or not, the game of golf needs him [Woods], needs him desperately,” Schauffele asserted. “Selfishly, I want him to play as long as possible. It just helps all of the guys out here, just with the amount of eyeballs that someone like Tiger Woods brings to golf.”

 

Woods’ recent performances have been hampered by injuries sustained in a severe car crash in 2021. Despite this, the 15-time major champion responded to Montgomerie’s comments with typical determination, highlighting Montgomerie’s lack of major wins. “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” Woods said before The Open. “Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do. So, when I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t.”

 

Following a disappointing performance in Scotland, Woods admitted he would take a break from the sport. However, he made it clear he is not ready to retire. Schauffele, 30, will undoubtedly be heartened by Woods’ undiminished passion for the game.

 

Montgomerie later sought to clarify his earlier statements, claiming they were misinterpreted. He expressed his hopes for Woods to secure a fourth Open victory at Troon, though Woods’ performance did not align with these aspirations.

 

Despite fewer appearances on the course, Woods remains a dominant figure in the golfing world, notably defending the PGA Tour against the burgeoning LIV Golf. His leadership both on and off the green suggests that Woods will continue to influence the future of golf long after his competitive days are over.

Scottie Scheffler’s Wife Meredith & New Baby Joined Golfer……

 

In a surprising turn of events, Scottie Scheffler found himself at the center of controversy following his arrest, casting a shadow over his participation in the PGA Championship. The incident occurred on May 17, 2024, as Scheffler attempted to make his way to the Valhalla Golf Club for the second round of the tournament. What initially appeared to be a serious legal issue was later clarified as a misunderstanding, leading to the charges being dropped.

 

Amid this turmoil, Scottie’s wife, Meredith Scheffler, and their newborn baby made a heartfelt gesture by joining him in Louisville. Just days before the incident, on May 13, 2024, Scottie had joyfully announced the birth of their child on Instagram, adding an emotional layer to the unfolding drama.

 

Nathan Hubbard of The Ringer provided an insightful account of the situation during the May 20, 2024, episode of the “Fairway Rollin’” podcast. Hubbard described how Scottie, despite the arrest, maintained a composed demeanor as he entered the player dining area on Friday morning. With a plate of eggs in hand, he greeted the crowd, approved a brief statement, and began recounting the story. The bruising on his left arm was a visible reminder of the ordeal he had endured.

 

Eyewitnesses and media personnel present at the scene corroborated Scottie’s version of events, emphasizing that he was not the aggressor in the incident. The emotional toll of the experience became evident on Saturday morning, as Hubbard recounted, “Scottie woke up in tears, visibly saddened by the incident.”

 

The arrival of Meredith and their newborn provided much-needed support for Scottie. However, the emotional weight of the situation was palpable as he struggled through the third round of the PGA Championship. From the opening hole, it was clear that Scottie was not his usual self, his performance reflecting the inner turmoil he was experiencing.

 

Despite the challenging circumstances, the solidarity of his family offered a glimmer of hope. The touching display of unity and support underscored the resilience and determination of the Scheffler family as they navigated this difficult chapter together.

 

Scottie Scheffler has thrust himself into the spotlight for potentially securing his second major victory of the year after an impressive even-par 71 in the third round of the 152nd Open Championship on Saturday.

 

The 2024 Masters champion now stands at 2-under par for the tournament, just two strokes shy of leader Billy Horschel, who sits at 4-under. Scheffler, maintaining his relentless consistency, is one of only two players who have not recorded an over-par round at The Open this week.

 

Reflecting on the challenges presented by Royal Troon, particularly its notorious inward nine, Scheffler expressed the intense difficulty of the course following his third round. “I can think of a couple days with some crazy high winds that may have been more challenging, but overall the back nine, I think that was probably the hardest nine holes that I’ll ever play,” Scheffler shared with CBS Sports. “I shouldn’t say ever, but it’s definitely the hardest that I’ve played to this point.”

 

The back nine at Royal Troon has tested even the finest players this week, featuring treacherous par-3s and lengthy par-4s that have proven difficult to reach in two shots amidst Scotland’s wet and windy conditions.

 

Displaying his trademark precision, Scheffler hit 13-of-14 fairways and 14-of-18 greens in regulation during his third round. He currently leads the field in Strokes Gained on Approach, amassing an impressive +8.15 for the week. This dominance in approach play is a familiar sight for Scheffler, though his putting remains a concern. He ranks near the bottom in Strokes Gained Putting, sitting 114th with a -1.61 SG.

 

With just a two-stroke gap to the top, Scheffler will embark on his pursuit of the coveted Claret Jug at 8:55 a.m. ET on Sunday, teeing off alongside Daniel Brown. As the final round looms, all eyes will be on Scheffler as he aims to etch his name in golfing history once more.