Xander Schauffele is now aiming for a career grand slam after securing his second major title by winning the British Open, just two months after his first major victory. At 30, Schauffele has already won the PGA Championship in May and needs the Masters and US Open to achieve the prestigious quartet of golf's top trophies. Only five players have accomplished this feat—Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods—but Schauffele is optimistic about joining this elite group.
"Yeah, before I had any majors, it's always been a goal of mine," the American stated on Sunday after his victory at Royal Troon on Scotland's west coast, winning by two strokes. "I'm closer now but still have a long journey ahead. If you can't envision yourself achieving it, you won't."
Schauffele demonstrated remarkable composure, finishing with a flawless final-round score of 65 to end at nine-under-par, two shots ahead of England's Justin Rose and American Billy Horschel. Entering the final round, Schauffele was tied for second, one shot behind the overnight leader Horschel, who was also vying for his first major title.
Schauffele attributes his recent win to his victory at the PGA at Valhalla two months prior, where he set a major record of 21-under-par. "Winning the first major really helped me today on the back nine," Schauffele explained. "I felt a sense of calmness, which was crucial on one of the toughest back nines I've encountered in a tournament."
Schauffele is the first player since Brooks Koepka in 2018 to win two majors in a year. "It's a dream come true to win two majors in one year. It took me a long time to win the first, and now having two is incredible." Schauffele is also preparing to defend his gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics next month.
