“It’s a dream come true to win two majors in one year,” Xander Schauffele said last year when he ended his major drought. Not only did he win his first major, but also secured two major victories in a single season. The hopes of him being sky-high for 2025 seemed to fade after his participation at the season starter, The Sentry.
The former World No.2 after that shared about his rib injury and took a long break from the course. After his recent participation at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it’s not just the rank that has dropped, but it’s the hopes too. After his T30 at The Sentry, he was placed at T40 at the API. This raised concerns about his upcoming contention for the majors.
Recently at the Golf Channel podcast, Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner discussed World No.3’s performance at the event, while seeing a spark of that hope. Lav praised the golfer’s participation at the event and especially for making the cut. He said, “Going out making the cut, which now has extended his PGA Tour leading 58th straight event with making a cut.” With the tough course conditions and 30 mph wind gusts on the first day, it wasn’t easy for any golfer. Despite that, Schauffele did a decent job with his 77-71 rounds to cross the qualification mark. It’s worth noting, the golfer did record the best round of 69 in the fourth, securing him a T40 position.
Aug 26, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Xander Schauffele tees off on the 3rd hole during the second round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Though, the insider isn’t still sure about his performance even after the “huge boost” at the API as he pointed out for the Masters. Lavner said, “He’s not likely to have his game in a spot where he wants it for the Masters, there’s quite frankly just not enough time.” The golfer, after missing eight events of the schedule, is starting to get his flow back. But, there are only four events including The Players, Valspar Championship, Houston Open, and Valero Texas Open before the Masters tee off. With roughly 30 days to the major, according to the PGA Tour insider, Schauffele will be out of contention for the top positions.
Now, with the speculations on the 2-time major winner, only the positive results in the upcoming events could change it. Well, to witness it, there are still some weeks left. On the other side, there’s a turnaround happening from another golfer. The six-time major champion has shared about a comeback for the Masters.
‘It’s Coming’: LIV golfer hints comeback, while Xander Schauffele maps Masters Prep
The 54-year-old Phil Mickelson, after winning his last major at the PGA Championship in 2021, saw a decline in performance. Being a part of the PIF league, he could only achieve one top-10 finish each year in the last three seasons. However, the 2025 schedule has been the redemption season for him. Earlier at Adelaide, he recorded a T23 finish with a best round of 68. Taking the form ahead, the golfer showcased three rounds of 67-65-64 resulting in a 3rd place finish.
After the podium finish, he expressed his thoughts about the comeback and aim. During an interview with Mike McAllister, who shared a glimpse of their conversation through a post on X, he said, “This is a building week as I continue to build into LIV and my goal of accomplishing a win in LIV, as well as winning another major, and getting ready for Augusta.” The golfer, with his consistent form, recorded 7 birdies in each round, raising the hopes for his comeback. He sure sounds confident saying, “My game is starting to really come around and I’m also playing differently. I’m playing [with] a lot less stress. It’s coming.” Now, with his scorecard and his confidence, it seems that the drought of majors might end. With the last win in 2021, the golfer was the oldest major winner.
With this confidence, can he become the oldest at the age of 54 years? What are your thoughts on it? And can Xander Schauffele find the redemption path with three events remaining before the Masters? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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