Xander Schauffele: Rising Above Narrow Players Championship Loss

Olympic champion Xander Schauffele believes his best days are still ahead, despite narrowly missing out on the coveted Players Championship title last weekend. Schauffele entered the final round at TPC Sawgrass with a one-shot lead, but a late surge from world number one Scottie Scheffler ultimately denied him the trophy.

Schauffele, who recorded four birdies on the day, was still in front when he reached the 12th hole. However, Scheffler’s birdie on the 16th tied the pair, and Schauffele then faltered with bogeys on the 14th and 15th, leaving him with too much ground to make up in the closing stretch.

Despite the disappointment, the 29-year-old American remained upbeat about his future prospects. “I’m always pretty tough on myself, but you kind of put it to rest to a certain extent,” he told reporters ahead of this week’s Valspar Championship. “I was overall pretty pleased with how I was able to play.”

Schauffele acknowledged that his ascent to the top of the game has been a “slower path” compared to some of his peers, who have achieved success at a younger age. However, he believes this has only fueled his determination to continue improving and reaching new heights.

“I just sort of look back on that, and I’ve had success, but to me I feel like the best is in front of me, and the only way it’s not going to be in front of me is if I let all these things get to my head and not play my game,” he said.

With his unwavering confidence and a growing resume that includes an Olympic gold medal and several PGA Tour victories, Schauffele’s determination to reach new levels of success is sure to resonate with golf enthusiasts. As he prepares for the Valspar Championship and the remainder of the 2023 season, the talented golfer remains convinced that his best is yet to come.