Xander Schauffele is a two-time major champ who recently met with Golf.com for an episode of ‘Warming Up’ at Dutchman’s Pipe, a private club in West Palm Beach, Florida. During this interview, he shared insights into his pre-tournament routine, shot shapes, and mindset when contending and winning. Schauffele revealed that he likes to watch coverage before a round to gain an edge, be playful with shot shapes in his warmup, and believes there is a real difference between contending and winning.
Schauffele also discussed how he leans on his talented neighbors in south Florida for training, the challenges of playing in the wind at Augusta National, and his love for hitting golf balls on the range. Despite experiencing setbacks like shanking balls during warmups in college, Schauffele remains unfazed and focused on continual improvement. He described how he is a different person on and off the course, showcasing a more relaxed and goofy side when not competing.
One interesting revelation from Schauffele was his nonchalant approach to arriving at tee times, with his caddie often having to urge him to leave the range and get to the first tee. He recalled a close call at the PGA at Harding Park where he had to rush to make his tee time with just seconds to spare. Despite nerves, Schauffele has a first-tee mantra to remind himself that the nerves will soon dissipate.
Overall, Schauffele’s insights provide a glimpse into the mindset and routines of a professional golfer at the highest level. His dedication to training, ability to handle pressure, and passion for the game are evident in his approach to preparation and competition. As Schauffele continues to strive for perfection and prime in his career, fans can expect to see more exciting performances and victories from this talented golfer.