Xander Schauffele’s Shocking Prediction Puts Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler on High Alert!”

“Xander Schauffele’s Shocking Prediction Puts Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler on High Alert!”

Xander Schauffele’s caddie, Austin Kaiser, has boldly predicted that his close friend is on track to achieve a career Grand Slam within the next year. This assertion comes at a time when Schauffele has significantly elevated his stature in the golfing world. Previously considered one of the sport’s “nearly men,” Schauffele’s recent performances have shattered that narrative.

 

Schauffele’s career took a notable leap recently with his victory at The Open, which added to his PGA Championship win from May. This impressive double has propelled him past Rory McIlroy to the second spot in the world rankings. With Schauffele now holding two major titles, the conversation naturally turns to whether he can complete the career Grand Slam—a feat only a select few have achieved in modern golf.

 

Schauffele’s long-time caddie, Austin Kaiser, is unreservedly optimistic about Schauffele’s future. In a recent statement, Kaiser expressed his confidence in Schauffele’s ability to secure the remaining two major titles required for a Grand Slam. Kaiser remarked, “After he won the PGA, I looked at him and said, ‘Let’s go for the Grand Slam in the next three’. Let’s do it. Why not? He’s right there. He’s played well in Augusta. He’s played well in the US Open. I definitely could see him achieving that. No problem.”

 

The career Grand Slam, which entails winning all four major championships—the Masters, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and The Open—has been an elusive goal for many top players. While Schauffele has proven his prowess with his recent major victories, he still has challenges ahead. Scottie Scheffler, who currently leads the rankings, has two Masters titles but lacks victories in the other three majors. Despite his dominance in 2024, Scheffler has yet to secure a U.S. Open or Open Championship win. Schauffele’s recent performances, including a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open and a strong showing at Royal Troon, highlight his potential to achieve the Grand Slam.

 

Rory McIlroy, another prominent contender, remains in the mix for the Grand Slam. McIlroy, alongside Jordan Spieth, is one of the two active players who are 75% of the way toward completing the Grand Slam. McIlroy’s major wins include the U.S. Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and The Open in 2014. Despite a decade-long major drought, he has come close to adding to his tally on several occasions. Notably, McIlroy finished just three shots behind Scheffler at Augusta two years ago, underscoring how close he is to achieving the Grand Slam.

 

Adding further weight to Schauffele’s prospects, his father, Stefan Schauffele, has also expressed his belief in his son’s ability to join the ranks of golf’s elite. Stefan Schauffele, while acknowledging his inherent bias, argues that the statistics support his optimism. He stated, “It’s up to you guys to take a look at the statistics and see who has the greatest potential of being the next career grand-slammer because I think he’s the one who has the game. Yes, I’m being subjective but I think, objectively, you will arrive at the same conclusion.”

 

In the history of modern golf, only five players have managed to complete the career Grand Slam: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen. As Schauffele, McIlroy, and Scheffler vie for their place in this prestigious group, the coming year promises to be a thrilling chapter in their careers. Schauffele’s recent successes and the support of his caddie and father highlight a strong belief that he is well-positioned to join the ranks of golf’s greatest legends.