Xander Schauffele’s prediction for Rory McIlroy matches up with Tiger Woods claim

Xander Schauffele’s Major Ambitions: A Path to Golf’s Rare Career Grand Slam

Xander Schauffele, having recently clinched his first two major titles this year, is now halfway toward achieving one of golf’s most coveted milestones: the career grand slam. This prestigious accomplishment is marked by winning all four of golf’s major championships over a player’s career. Schauffele’s victories in the PGA Championship and The Open Championship have set him on this ambitious path, aligning his career goals with those of fellow professional Rory McIlroy.

 

As Schauffele continues his pursuit, he finds himself just one major title shy of McIlroy, who has long been on the cusp of completing his own career grand slam. McIlroy needs only to capture the Masters Tournament to join the elite group of golfers who have achieved this grand slam. For Schauffele, the journey involves winning both the US Open and the Masters to fulfill his career aspirations.

 

In a recent interview with MailSport, the 30-year-old Schauffele reflected on his long-held goal of achieving the career grand slam. “The career slam has always been written down as something I’ve wanted. Getting to two after not having one for such a long time is something that feels really good,” he shared. Schauffele acknowledged the pressures and anxieties that come with high expectations in sports, but he remains resolute in his pursuit.

 

This year, Schauffele also sought to add to his Olympic achievements, having previously won gold at the Tokyo Games. However, he fell short in Paris, finishing tied for ninth at 12-under-par, just behind the champion Scottie Scheffler. Meanwhile, McIlroy fared better at the Olympics, securing a tie for fifth with a solid score of 15-under-par, only four strokes behind the leader.

 

Despite missing out on Olympic medals, both Schauffele and McIlroy are intensely focused on their ultimate goal of the career grand slam. The challenge and pursuit of this achievement are well understood by golfing legend Tiger Woods, who has spoken highly of McIlroy’s talent and potential.

 

Before the Masters Tournament in April, Woods expressed his confidence in McIlroy’s ability to achieve the grand slam. According to Golf Digest, Woods stated, “No question, he’ll do it at some point. Rory’s too talented, too good. He’s going to be playing this event for a very long time. He’ll get it done. It’s just a matter of when.”

 

Woods elaborated on his belief in McIlroy’s potential, suggesting that the Northern Irish golfer’s skill set and familiarity with the course make it inevitable that he will one day secure the Masters title. “I think Rory will be a great Masters champion one day, and it could be this week. You never know. I just think that the talent he has, the way he plays the game and how the golf course fits his eye, it’s just a matter of time.”

 

As Schauffele continues his pursuit of golf’s grand slam and McIlroy remains on the brink of completing his own, both golfers are set on their paths to greatness. The journey to achieving a career grand slam is fraught with challenges, but with determination and skill, both Schauffele and McIlroy are well-positioned to make their mark in golf history.