Xander Schauffele credits his caddie after winning the Open Championship - "No one better to share it"
Xander Schauffele survived Royal Troon to win his second career Major at the Open Championship earlier in July. The golf course, known for its challenging bunkers and lies, was no match for the golfer who turned in a phenomenal weekend. That was thanks in no small part to his caddie Austin Kaiser.
Kaiser was there for Schauffele's maiden Major win earlier this year, and the golfer credited him after securing his second Major victory in Scotland. Schauffele reflected in a blog provided by the PGA Tour:
"I made sure I walked up the final green with Austin by my side. He's one of my best friends, and it's a team thing. I'm the one hitting the shots, but at the end of the day, it's a team thing. It's a team environment that I like to have for my team. I was marching, and I was just trying to focus. In my head, I was like, 'You're about to have your moment here, and no one better to share it than Austin because he deserves it as well.'"
He went on to say that he felt honored to win the Claret Jug. The Open Championship is a prestigious event that many consider the toughest of the four Majors. Schauffele said he had always dreamt of being an Open champion.
He added:
"I feel speechless just looking at the Claret Jug and if I sat in a room by myself with it, I would just stare at it and gaze, and really try to take it all in. It's all part of the process and it is an incredible feeling to be here with the Claret Jug."
Xander Schauffele has officially ascended into golf's elite with two Majors. It's a total shared by Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and a few other talented players.
Xander Schauffele joins elite club with two Majors in one season
Very few golfers have ever won two Majors in a season. With so much talent in the sport, it's difficult to be the best twice out of the four most prestigious events. Schauffele did, and in doing so joined a prestigious club.
Among the members are Tiger Woods (2000 and 2006), Padraig Harrington (2008) and Rory McIlroy (2014) who mirrored what Schauffele did in winning the PGA Championship and the British Open.
Schauffele said about the fans in Scotland after his win (via USA Today):
"You guys have been amazing. You guys have made it feel like a second home for me and I can't wait to come back."
Xander Schauffele will try to defend his crown next year and earn his third career Major.