Lot of weapons’: Scheffler’s reign under threat as Open course’s true horror exposed — Talking Points

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.