“The Best Player Without a Major” Claims Victory at the PGA Championship
The PGA Championship over the weekend was a whirlwind of unexpected events. What began as a typical tournament week - interviews, practice, and the like - quickly escalated into a media storm with the arrest of Scottie Scheffler and the revelation of Rory McIlroy's divorce. Despite these challenges, the golfers, driven by their passion and a staggering purse of $20 million, were more determined than ever to give their best on the course.
As the final round of the PGA Championship began on Sunday, the excitement of the competition was evident. Xander Schauffele, the number three ranked player and current Olympic gold medalist, maintained his lead throughout the weekend. However, Bryson DeChambeau kept tension high as the two were tied with just one hole to go. In a thrilling finish, Xander sunk a birdie putt to emerge victorious, and secure his first major win.
Xander Schauffele wins the PGA Championship (Getty Images)
So, who is Xander Schauffele? Before his win on Sunday, Xander was known as "the best player without a major." Beyond the course, Xander is a funny, carefree, honest man who values family as much, if not more, than he values golf. His journey in golf, filled with ups and downs, was only possible with his father, Stefan, who introduced him to the game at just nine years old.
Xander's growth as a golfer is credited to his decades-long coaching relationship with Stefan, who served as his swinging coach until just recently. Through the game, the two formed an unbreakable bond that recently has transcended oceans.
Xander and his dad Stefan during a tournament (Getty Images)
Stefan, generally seen hiding behind a hat and linen shirt on the course, was absent from the tour this week as he is constructing what he hopes will be the "family compound" in Hawaii. There, he spends days with his wife, Ping Yi, working on 22 acres of land in Hawaii, living in a shipping container they call home, which has no air conditioning or running power. This means there is no TV around, even when their son is the leader in the final round of the PGA Championship. Even with challenges, Stefan made it over to his friend's rental property and watched his son sink the most crucial putt of his life on the final hole of Valhalla Golf Club.
Despite being 4,400 miles away, Xander felt his dad with him and even called him right after his win. Stefan knows they’ll get to celebrate later, stating, “when we hug, whenever that is, that’s going to be just fine. That suffices.”
His dad believes this win is only just the beginning.
“Now he’s got this first major,” Stefan said. “This is the first one of the four. I’ve got a good feeling he’ll get the second one of the four this year. With as consistent as he is now, everybody is on notice.”
Xander and Maya Schauffele post-win at Valhalla Golf Club (Getty Images)
Another cheerleader in Xander's life is his wife, Maya. The pair met during college in 2014 and have been inseparable since. They married in July 2021 during an intimate ceremony at their Las Vegas home. The ceremony included eight family members, their two dogs, and the officiant. Before the two dated, Maya did not know much about golf. Fun fact- She didn't even know that Xander was a golfer when they first met! Today, however, Maya is much more into the sport and can be seen cheering Xander on at almost every tournament.
The Schauffele family at their wedding (Getty Images)
The pair enjoys giving back to the community and has hosted many charity events together. In November 2023, the couple organized a golf tournament called "Fore Pups," with proceeds benefiting dogs. When asked about Xander's win on Sunday, Maya's only response was relatable.
“ I’m sorry. I am blacking out. This means everything!”
It's safe to say we have another adorable couple to keep up with throughout the PGA season!
The 2024 PGA Championship proved to be more than just a golf tournament. Between the week leading up to play and the weekend that followed, from Scheffler's arrest and Xander's win, this was by far the craziest tournament we've ever witnessed. How the Championship unfolded makes me wonder what would happen if all tournaments reflected a reality TV episode; maybe we'd all be watching every weekend.