Augusta, Ga. — This week’s Masters is being promoted as a spectacle featuring Rory McIlroy and Scotty Scheffler.
McIlroy aims for a Masters win to finalize a rare career grand slam, an achievement reached by only five other golfers.
Meanwhile, reigning champion Scheffler is on the verge of becoming the sole player besides Jack Nicklaus to secure three Masters titles within four years.
Yet, don’t underestimate Xander Schauffele.
Schauffele’s triumph at Augusta National this week marks his third victory in the last four majors, having won both the PGA Championship and the British Open last year.
This is Tiger Woods’ domain, the High Ground.
However, Schauffele’s 2025 season faced disruptions due to interstitial strains and cartilage tears. He first experienced discomfort in December, ignored it, and ultimately worsened his condition to the point of needing a recovery period.
While recuperating, he watched McIlroy [with two wins this year] and Scheffler excel, stirring feelings of admiration while he rested at home.
“For me, it’s all about making progress,” Schauffele expressed on Monday, reminding himself how much he relished playing and competing.
“It’s significant to witness others performing well, and it ignites my passion because they can take a breather after achieving major milestones.
“I’ve never really faced injuries earlier, so this is my first experience being sidelined. With these thoughts, watching everyone else play and succeed was truly motivating.
This year’s outcomes haven’t met his expectations. He finished 30th at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in early January and had to prioritize healing, placing 40th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in early March. He also concluded the Player Championship in 72nd position, which frustrated Schauffele as he sought to regain his rhythm.
He feels that tying for 12th at the Valspar Championship recently helped restore his game and some of his confidence.
“Maybe I let loose that week, not fully committed, but rather kept it steady and allowed the ball to move as needed,” he reflected on his Valspar performance. It was about rediscovering that balance. I lack ample practice in that area, but there’s plenty I can revisit.
“When I say ‘draw,’ it implies that last year, at times, I was firing on all cylinders. I saw the results it achieved and how far it carried me.”
This performance led him to win two major championships.
“Nothing negative has occurred, but I often take it for granted when I’m playing healthy golf,” Schauffele noted.
Schauffele acknowledged that, “Confidence is something my father Stephen instilled in me.
When asked if “validation” was necessary, Schauffele replied with a grin. Yes, for sure some validation will come in handy. You can’t consistently finish at the bottom and convince yourself you’re truly skilled.”
While McIlroy and Scheffler garner most of the pre-tournament attention, Schauffele shouldn’t be overlooked.
“Many players have been performing at a remarkably high level,” Schauffele mentioned. “They are playing exceptional golf. Rory has achieved incredible success multiple times this year, with several victories and excelling on seemingly difficult courses.
“Fortuitously, I managed to do it last year, and there’s no reason I can’t replicate that success.”
