Xander Schauffele’s words about Scottie Scheffler say it all after Olympics success

Xander Schauffele’s Respect for Scottie Scheffler Shines Through After Olympic Triumph

In the wake of Scottie Scheffler’s Olympic gold medal victory in Paris, Xander Schauffele’s past comments about his fellow American golfer have gained even more significance. Both Schauffele and Scheffler have been in exceptional form throughout 2024, with Schauffele clinching the PGA Championship and The Open, while Scheffler not only captured the Olympic gold but also added a green jacket from the Masters to his collection. Their impressive performances this year have firmly established them as two of the foremost contenders in the world of golf.

 

The anticipation was high for both golfers at the Paris Olympics, and while Scheffler ultimately emerged victorious, Schauffele’s admiration for him was evident even before the Games. Despite his own stellar season, Schauffele was quick to acknowledge Scheffler’s dominance. He remarked to the Daily Mail, “Scottie is on top of this mountain and he is way ahead of us climbing up on the side.” Schauffele’s acknowledgment of Scheffler’s supremacy underscores the respect he has for his compatriot’s extraordinary achievements.

 

Scheffler’s Olympic success was no fluke; it was a continuation of his impressive run of form, which included winning the Masters earlier in the year. The fact that he outpaced Team GB’s Tommy Fleetwood by a single stroke to secure gold only adds to the significance of his triumph. Schauffele’s comments reflect a deep respect for Scheffler’s skill and current standing in the sport.

 

Amidst the backdrop of Scheffler’s success, Schauffele is also focused on his own aspirations. He is determined to achieve a career grand slam, a feat accomplished by only five golfers in history: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. With victories in the Masters and the US Open already under his belt, Schauffele is just two major titles away from joining this elite group.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Schauffele shared his emotions about reaching the halfway point towards a career grand slam. “Getting to two after not having one for such a long time is something that feels really good,” he said. Schauffele acknowledged the pressures and anxieties that come with competing at the highest level but also emphasized the satisfaction of achieving his goals. “It makes me remember writing this stuff down with my dad at 13 or 14—number one player in the world, majors, all these things.”

 

Tiger Woods, a man who has achieved the career grand slam himself, has expressed his belief that another golfer will soon join the ranks. While he mentioned Rory McIlroy as a strong candidate, noting that McIlroy is just one major win away from completing the grand slam, Woods’ comments serve as a testament to the talent and potential of the players in today’s game. “No question, he’ll do it at some point,” Woods said of McIlroy. “Rory’s too talented, too good. He’ll get it done. It’s just a matter of when.”

 

Woods’ prediction highlights the intense competition and extraordinary skill present in the current golfing landscape. Whether Schauffele or McIlroy—or perhaps even another contender—will achieve the elusive career grand slam, one thing is clear: the sport of golf continues to produce remarkable talent and memorable achievements.

 

As the golfing season progresses, all eyes will be on Schauffele and Scheffler, as well as other top contenders. The dynamic nature of the sport ensures that each tournament brings new opportunities and challenges, keeping fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats.