Xander Schauffele’s rock-solid rise has been nothing short of spectacular—two majors, 12 wins, and a shot at world No. 1. But through it all, one constant support has been by his side since the start. It is his mentor, caddie, and friend Austin Kaiser who praised the job, saying, “the best job in the world.”
Well, many of the golf world would not know the great bond that the duo shares, but Schauffele has never left the chance to praise his partner. Even recently, when sharing about the injury at the Arnold Palmer Invitational pre-match press conference, he shared that not having a mentor affected his practice and injury. He said, “Trainer had to go back, renew his visa. I was left on my own and apparently, I’m still a toddler.” But, the life of Schauffele’s course partner is still unexplored. So here is everything about the guiding and supporting hand for the two-time Major winner.
Austin Kaiser, the golfer turned caddie
The duo has been friends for more than a decade now because of the same interest during their college years. Just like Xander Schauffele, Austin Kaiser played for the Aztecs’ golf team from 2011 to 2015. Kaiser in junior year made the cut in 12 events out of the 13 events participated, which resulted in a fourth-place finish in the team. Then, he even recorded four top-20 finishes. Well, with the great presence on the course, it was assumed for Kaiser to follow the path towards a professional career in golf.
However, for him, the plan was different. He wanted to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a police officer. Everything was going according to the plan, as after graduating from college, Kaiser enrolled himself in the police academy. But one phone call changed everything. Schauffele called him, saying, “Hey, I need a caddie, and I think you would be great. We’re buds, and you know my game more than almost anybody.” Kaiser thought to give it a try, and the result of which can be seen with great success on and off the course.
Xander Schauffele’s relationship with his caddie
The college buddies, on a different path professionally, came together with a phone call and have been together since then. After entering as professionals in 2015, the pair won two Major Championships, two President Cups, a Ryder Cup and seven PGA Tour titles. Even to add the cherry on the top, they even have an Olympic Gold medal. The credit for the significant achievement goes to the outstanding balance between the two, and even Kaiser agrees to that as he shared on similar lines. In 2020, during an interview with the San Diego Union Tribune, he said, “We have a perfect balance of professionalism and friendship.”
Not just this, but the caddie has been open to reject even the GOAT’s offer. He continued further, “If Xander fired me and Tiger or any of those guys came up to me, I wouldn’t caddie for anybody else. Because I don’t have that emotional attachment. It’s like being drafted by your favorite team growing up. You can’t get that with anyone else. I think I have the best job in the world.”
Schauffele once gave his caddie, Austin Kaiser, a night off before practice at the 2016 Byron Nelson. What did Kaiser do? Went a little overboard, got tracked by his wife, and was found making snow angels by a cemetery at 2 AM. But his buddy took him back and didn’t fire him. Even Kaiser has said about the funny incident after the event. He expressed, “I’m pretty sure almost anyone else would have fired him.” Schauffele and his caddie share more than just a great bond, they have deep mutual respect. After his Olympic gold win, Schauffele made sure his caddie wasn’t left empty-handed, gifting.
Rough patches are basic. Kaiser still calls earning a PGA Tour card with Schauffele his best moment. Now, their friendship drives their success on tour. But with the injury scare, will the team get on the redemption path again? What are your predictions for Xander Schaufele at the Arnold Palmer Invitational? Share with us in the comments below.
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