With dad in new role, Xander Schauffele looks to defend Olympic gold

In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, family and friends of athletes were barred from attending due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was one notable exception: Xander Schauffele’s father, Stefan Schauffele. Stefan was permitted to attend the Games because he served as his son’s swing instructor at the time. This exception was a testament to the significant role Stefan played in Xander’s golf career, a journey that had far surpassed the initial expectations Stefan had when he first began coaching his son.

 

Recalling his early days in golf, Xander Schauffele remembers his father expressing uncertainty about how far they could go together. “He’s like, ‘I have no clue how far we’re going to get,’” Xander reflects on his father’s words from his younger years. Despite this uncertainty, Stefan Schauffele, who had his own Olympic dreams thwarted by a tragic accident in 1986, channeled his energy and passion into helping his son realize his full potential as an athlete. Stefan’s dreams of competing as a German decathlete were dashed when a drunk driver caused a car crash that changed his life. Instead of giving up on his aspirations, Stefan devoted himself to supporting Xander’s career, which reached a peak with Xander winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

 

At the time of the Tokyo Games, Xander Schauffele was a consistent PGA TOUR professional with a solid record that included four victories and a strong showing in major tournaments. However, there remained questions about his ability to clinch the sport’s most prestigious titles. The gold medal in Tokyo was a significant achievement, but Xander’s journey continued, with more milestones ahead.

 

Now, as he heads to Paris for the men’s Olympic golf competition at Le Golf National, Schauffele arrives with a significantly enhanced resume. Over the past season, he has not only defended his Olympic gold but also secured two major victories. Schauffele triumphed at The Open Championship at Royal Troon and previously at the PGA Championship in May. His performance this season puts him in contention for the PGA TOUR Player of the Year honors, challenging world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who has had a remarkable season himself with six TOUR wins, including the Masters and THE PLAYERS Championship.

 

Schauffele’s career has evolved significantly since his time with his father as his swing coach. Stefan Schauffele no longer serves as Xander’s swing instructor and was not present at the PGA Championship. Instead, he watched from a distance, enjoying the view from a Hawaiian island. Despite his absence from the coaching role, Stefan was present at The Open Championship and continues to support his son as a father and fan. Xander now works with Chris Como, whose expertise in biomechanics and fresh perspective on Schauffele’s swing have contributed to his recent successes. Como’s background and communication skills have complemented Xander’s game, helping him to refine his technique and perform at an elite level in majors.

 

Reflecting on the past, Schauffele acknowledges the important role his father played in his development. Although Stefan did not coach Xander to his major victories directly, his foundational work and support were crucial in getting Xander to the point where he could achieve such milestones. The Olympic gold medal was a pivotal step in Xander’s journey, demonstrating the effectiveness of his father’s early coaching.

 

As Xander looks to the future, he emphasizes the importance of allowing his father to enjoy his retirement from the intense demands of coaching. “I’m 30 years old now, and once you have success, it’s always my goal, I want my dad to be happy and I want him to do what he wants to do,” Schauffele said. “He’s going to turn 60 this year. I don’t think he wants to sit on the range, 95 degrees and watch me pound golf balls all day. I wouldn’t want to do that when I’m 60.” Xander has been gradually taking over more of the responsibilities, hoping to ease his father’s workload and allow him to enjoy life more fully.

 

This week, as Stefan Schauffele watches his son compete in the Olympic golf competition, he will do so as a proud father and enthusiastic supporter rather than a coach. For Stefan, this role as a fan and a dad is a gratifying position, a testament to the journey they have traveled together and the accomplishments they have achieved.

 

In summary, the Schauffele family’s story is one of perseverance, support, and evolving roles. From Stefan’s initial uncertainty to Xander’s current success and their shifting dynamics, their journey highlights the profound impact of family and dedication in achieving greatness in sports.