Xander Schauffele secured victory at the British Open on Sunday at Royal Troon by carding a 65 in the final round, finishing at 9-under 275. He surged from behind with six birdies in an 11-hole span to claim a two-shot victory over Billy Horschel and Justin Rose.
His impressive run began with birdies at No. 6 and No. 7, followed by a crucial birdie at the difficult par-4 No. 11. Schauffele’s stellar play continued with birdies at No. 13, No. 14, and No. 16, resulting in a bogey-free round where he hit 16 greens.
This win marked Schauffele’s second major championship victory of the season, following his triumph at the PGA in May. Notably, he became the second player after Jack Nicklaus to post a final round 65 in two majors in the same year.
With this victory, the debate for PGA Tour Player of the Year gets interesting. Scottie Scheffler, who has had a stellar season with multiple wins including the Masters and the Players Championship, seemed like a frontrunner. However, Schauffele’s major wins might alter the conversation.
Despite Scheffler maintaining his top ranking, Schauffele’s performance in major championships and his recent British Open win make him a strong contender for the Player of the Year award.
In terms of major performances, Schauffele’s consistent finishes and strong showings in key tournaments put him in a favorable position compared to Scheffler. The upcoming Olympics and the FedEx Cup could play crucial roles in determining the eventual winner of the Player of the Year award.
Ultimately, the decision between Schauffele and Scheffler for the Player of the Year title may come down to their performances in these upcoming events.
Xander Schauffele shakes hands with Scott Scheffler on the 18th green after the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Network)
