Xander Schauffele sums up Olympics difference to PGA Tour and LIV Golf in 14-word comment
Golf star Xander Schauffele has shed light on the heightened sense of urgency and distinction that accompanies competing in Olympic golf compared to traditional golf tournaments. Schauffele, who has already achieved significant success this year by winning both The Open and the PGA Championship, is now eyeing another major accolade—an Olympic gold medal.
Despite his impressive record of two major championships and nine PGA Tour victories, Schauffele emphasizes the special significance that the Olympics hold for golfers. This reverence extends to all golfers, including those who have joined LIV Golf, underscoring the unique nature of the Olympic Games in the golfing world. Schauffele, at 30 years old, demonstrated his commitment to this unique competition by tying for the lead with Spain’s Jon Rahm after the third round in Paris. Meanwhile, Team GB’s Tommy Fleetwood trailed just one stroke behind, solidifying the competitive nature of the event.
As Schauffele nears the opportunity to secure another Olympic medal, he has acknowledged that the determination to achieve a podium finish is markedly more intense than in regular tournaments. In a recent interview, Schauffele drew a comparison between the mindset required for the Olympics versus that of major championships. “It’s pretty different,” he explained. “You’re essentially on a team. I approach it the same way [as a Major], to be honest. It’s a 72-hole stroke play event with 60 players, and everyone is representing their country and aiming to win.”
He elaborated on the increased focus on finishing in the top three at the Olympics. “The emphasis on second and third place is a lot greater than in a typical tournament,” Schauffele said. “If you podium, that’s a significant achievement. Conversely, if you’re performing well and then falter at the end, it’s a letdown. In the Olympics, the drive to finish in the top three is stronger than in any other tournament.”
Rory McIlroy, a Northern Irish golfer, echoed Schauffele’s sentiments, capturing the essence of the Olympic spirit in golf. Initially, McIlroy was not particularly enthusiastic about the reintroduction of golf into the Olympics at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. However, his perspective has evolved significantly. This year, McIlroy expressed a profound sense of honor and ambition regarding the Olympic Games. Despite starting the final round in sixth place, the 35-year-old golfer stated, “It would be the achievement of the year, certainly.”
McIlroy also acknowledged the significance of this potential Olympic success in light of his career achievements. “If not, it’s well documented that I haven’t won one of the big four (majors) in 10 years,” he remarked. “Securing an Olympic medal would likely be one of the biggest achievements of my career over the past decade, if not the biggest.”
- The intense focus and extraordinary level of dedication that Schauffele and McIlroy display towards Olympic golf illustrate a broader trend among golfers who view the Olympics as a unique and unparalleled opportunity to etch their names in sporting history.
