Xander Schauffele's father predicts his son to beat Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler to a major golf achievement
Following his recent success in the majors, Xander Schauffele's father, Stefan Schauffele, feels that his son will achieve the career Grand Slam before Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. He believes that Xander has the best chance to accomplish this feat before the others.
Xander Schauffele posted a 9-under par in four rounds to win the Open Championship, beating Billy Horschel and Justin Rose by two strokes. This was the second major championship win of his career. For the uninitiated, his first win came earlier this year at the PGA Championship. With two major victories, he is a step closer to the career Grand Slam.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Schauffele Sr. predicted that his son would be the first in this era to achieve the career Grand Slam. He claimed that Xander would do it before Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, who are each just one major away.
"It’s up to you guys to take a look at the statistics and see who has the greatest potential of being the next career grand-slammer because I think he’s the one who has the game. Yes, I’m being subjective but I think, objectively, you will arrive at the same conclusion," he said as per the Telegraph.
Rory McIlroy has won four majors in his career and needs a win at the Masters Tournament to complete the Grand Slam. However, he has been winless at the four biggest golf events since 2014.
Similarly, Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion, is one PGA Championship win away from becoming the sixth player to achieve a Grand Slam. He has also been in a major drought since 2017 and has seen a decline in form in recent times.
Phil Mickelson is also one US Open win away from achieving the rare feat, but he hasn't won a title since the 2021 PGA Championship. Given his age and form, it is getting tougher with each passing year.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has won the Masters twice, and given the ominous form he is in, he is entering every tournament as the favorite. Another name to consider is Jon Rahm, who has won the US Open and the Masters and is a strong contender for completing the Grand Slam.
As of now, only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen have completed the Grand Slam.
"I'm one step closer" - Xander Schauffele aims the grand slam after The Open win
With two major wins in three starts, Xander Schauffele has inched closer to the grand slam. Speaking at the winner's press conference at Royal Troon on Sunday, he detailed his grand slam dream.
"Before I had any majors, it's something I've always wanted," he said as per Mirror. "I'm one step closer and still have a long way to go. But if you don't see yourself doing it, you're never going to do it."
Xander Schauffele has also moved higher in the OWGR. As per the latest ranking update, he has edged past Rory McIlroy to become the new World No. 2. Scottie Scheffler, with six wins this year, is still reading the OWGR.