Xander Schauffele said his repeated close calls in major championships “added fuel to the fire” before recording his first win at the PGA Championship at Valhalla on Sunday .
Schauffele, who had 12 top-10 finishes in majors before winning this week, tied the men’s lowest round score in a major (62) on day one and finished with a low The score of 21 par set a new record for the lowest score in 72 holes.
The 30-year-old American shot a 6-under 65 on the final day, fending off a fierce challenge from Bryson DeChambeau and finishing one on the star-studded leaderboard. Rod advantage wins.
Xander Schauffele moves past Rory McIlroy to world No. 2 by one shot
“It feels great,” Schauffele told reporters after the win.
“I’ve said it before, winning is a result. It’s awesome, super sweet, but when I break it down, I’m really proud of the way I handled certain moments on the court today that were different than in the past.”
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Schauffele needed a birdie on the 18th hole to win the tournament and avoid a three-hole playoff with club leader DeChambeau at 20 under.
“I was very nervous,” Schauffele added. “I really don’t remember [his birdie putt] As soon as I opened my mouth, I heard everyone roaring. I breathed a sigh of relief and looked up to the sky.
“I really don’t want to play a play-off game with Bryson. With his size and being up 18, it’s not something I’m going to have a lot of fun with.
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Bryson DeChambeau shot a 7-under 64 in the final round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
“I was able to capture that moment… I just kept telling myself I need to win this, win this and live in the moment, and I was able to do that.”
Even with the win, Schauffele doesn’t think his view of his place on tour will change much.
Although world No. 1 Scotty Schauffler has had a “busy” week and was arrested just hours before Friday’s second round, Schauffele is concerned about what he and other golfers are chasing of people without a doubt.
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A look back at world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s ups and downs during the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
“We are all climbing this huge mountain, and Scotty Scheffler is at the top,” he said. “I won today, but in the grand scheme of things I’m still not that close to Scotty Scheffler.
“I found a good hook on the mountain on the cliff and I’m still climbing. I might have a beer on that side of the mountain and enjoy this, but when someone’s so far ahead of you.”
Morikawa: Schauffele is one of the best riders in the world
Although DeChambeau was eliminated in the victory, Collin Morikawa (who finished tied for fourth in the final pairing) was full of praise for the popular Schauffele after claiming his first major victory. .
“My first feeling is I’m proud of Sander because he finally got the job done,” DeChambeau told reporters. “He’s a great golfer and a deserving major champion.
“He’s been playing well for a long time. I played against him as a junior. He’s a great guy and an unbelievable golfer and that showed this week.
He added: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s disappointing but I played well.
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Bryson DeChambeau birdied the final hole to briefly tie Xander Schauffele for the top spot.
“I shot 20 under in one major… and that gave me motivation to play in other majors. I said today was ‘end time,’ but hopefully in the future This has been the case for several seasons.
Morikawa shared the lead and Schauffele entered the final round but had his challenge fade away with an even-par 71. “It’s great,” he said of the new PGA champion. “I’m happy for him.
“He’s one of the best players in the world and obviously he’s been close before. Today was exactly what he gave.”
“He knew what he had to do at 18 and that’s what great players do.”
“A great champion – one of the good guys”
Xander Schauffele holds up the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA Championship
Sky Sports’ rich beam: “Shauffele has been in a lot of fights and not won, but this puts all the pain, all the heartache to rest.
“I loved his reaction, there were smiles all around and it was such a relief. What a great champion, he’s one of the good guys and you love to see that. From the opening bell, a round of 62, he was the one to beat. people.
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Xander Schauffele became the first player in PGA Championship history to shoot a 62 on Day 1 at Valhalla.
Ms Laura Davies, Sky Sports: “Shauffele’s hitting was absolutely outstanding this week.
“We continue to talk [world No 1] Scottie Scheffler and his talent, but Schauffele was so much more than he was capable of this week. He will enjoy the festivities, which will continue throughout the night. What an exciting victory.
What’s next?
The PGA Tour next heads to Colonial Country Club for the Charles Schwab Challenge, where Emiliano Grillo returns as the defending champion. Sky Sports Golf begins early coverage Thursday at 5pm, with full coverage in Texas at 9pm.
The next men’s major is the U.S. Open, which will be held from June 13 to 16 at Pinewood Resort and Country Club in North Carolina and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Live broadcast of PGA Tour, DP World Tour, major championships and more with NOW.
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