Xander Schauffele reminisced about his victorious moment in the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open, calling it “a big win for my team and myself.”
As he steps back onto the lush greens of The Renaissance Club this week, Schauffele joins a star-studded lineup in East Lothian, ready to make his mark once again.
The American golfer is in top form, riding high after clinching his first Major title at the US PGA Championship in May.
This victory was part of an impressive season that includes ten top-ten finishes on the PGA TOUR.
Reflecting on his recent successes, Schauffele said, “Yeah, that was unique. I was coming off no wins, similar to what just happened.
I didn’t win for a couple of years. I was able to win stateside, and then to travel over here straight after and win again, it was really cool.”
Before his triumph at Valhalla Golf Club, where he secured his Major Championship crown, Schauffele’s last victory came at the Genesis Scottish Open.
The 30-year-old golfer holds fond memories of that achievement and is thrilled to be back on Scottish soil.
He’s eager to compete in front of the passionate local fans, who he says have a “deeper appreciation” for the sport.
“They know what a good shot looks like. Like when you hit 140 yards from the pin, they know when that’s a good shot and they clap, and that’s always nice.”
The Genesis Scottish Open is a key event on the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, serving as a perfect prelude to the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Troon.
This year’s tournament, the second Rolex Series event of the 2024 DP World Tour season, has attracted a stellar field.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy leads the pack, joined by Major winners like Wyndham Clark, Matt Fitzpatrick, Brian Harman, Hideki Matsuyama, Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, and Justin Thomas.
The competition also features local hero Robert MacIntyre and European Ryder Cup players Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Højgaard, Viktor Hovland, and the rising Korean star Tom Kim.
Schauffele is particularly enthusiastic about the unique challenges and joys of playing in Scotland.
“I love coming here and I love coming overseas, playing across the pond and slowly acclimating myself and yeah, just excited for the week,” he shared.
His confidence and excitement are palpable as he prepares to tackle The Renaissance Club’s course once more.
As the Genesis Scottish Open kicks off, all eyes will be on Schauffele to see if he can replicate his past success and continue his stellar season.
The competition promises to be fierce, with golf’s biggest names vying for the prestigious title.
For Schauffele, it’s not just about winning but also about savouring the experience and the unique camaraderie and competition that the Scottish links provide.
