"I feel like we're all just chasing him" - Xander Schauffele showers praise on rival Scottie Scheffler amid the Player of the Year debate
Xander Schauffele recently praised Scottie Scheffler, stating that he has a lot of respect for the World No. 1 golfer. He added that it feels as though they are all trying to chase Scheffler, given the incredible run he's had this season.
As the PGA Tour season nears its conclusion, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have emerged as two strong contenders for the Player of the Year award. While Scheffler has won six times this year, in addition to his Olympic gold medal, Schauffele has secured two Major championships and multiple top-10 finishes.
On Tuesday, August 19, during the pre-event press conference for the BMW Championship, Schauffele showered praise on Scheffler.
"For me, as a competitor, I just have a lot of respect for him (Scheffler)," he said. "It was cool to get to know him and Meredith a little bit more at the Olympics, and even Teddy (Scott), too.
"He's been playing unbelievable golf," he added. I feel like we're all just chasing him. I've done probably the best job of getting the closest to him, but it's still very far away. Just a lot of credit to him and his team for putting together a really special year."
He further stated that he got to know Scheffler more during the Olympics, where the two spent a lot of time together on and off the course.
"I mean, he's genuinely just really nice," he continued. "He's a really good dude. He's not afraid to poke at people and laugh at have a good time. He's definitely hyper competitive. But yeah, at the end of the day he really is a rock-solid guy. There's honestly nothing I can say to knock on him."
As of now, Scottie Scheffler is head and shoulders above the rest in the Player of the Year debate, but things could get interesting if Xander Schauffele ends up winning the FedEx Cup. Last week, while the two-time Masters champion tied for fourth at TPC Southwind, Schauffele shot a 63 to finish T2.
When will Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler begin the BMW Championship, Round 1?
Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler are paired together for the opening round of the BMW Championship. The duo will tee off on Thursday, August 22, at 11 a.m. ET from the first hole.
The first round of the BMW Championship will begin at 9:25 a.m. ET, with Si Woo Kim and Max Homa teeing off from the first hole.
Following the first event of the playoffs, Scheffler holds the top spot in the FedEx Cup standings, while Schauffele is in second place. However, this could change depending on the results this week.