Xander Schauffele, the talented golfer from Las Vegas, has revealed a unique approach to the upcoming 2024 season. In an eccentric comparison, Schauffele mentioned that he plans to face the challenges of the year ahead with an ostrich-like mentality. Refusing to get caught up in the ongoing battles over the future of golf or the requirements for qualifying for the Olympics, Schauffele aims to keep his focus solely on his game.
Ranked sixth in the world, Schauffele is the third-highest ranked American golfer, trailing behind Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay. His primary aim is to maintain his position in the top four by the summer, securing his spot in the 2024 Olympics and giving him a chance to defend his gold-medal performance from the 2020 Games in Paris.
However, Schauffele insists that his goal is not at the forefront of his mind at this point. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of starting the season strong and is more concerned about his upcoming West Coast Swing. He believes that if he can perform well in the early part of the year, he should be able to secure his place on the Olympic team, although he acknowledges that it won’t be an easy feat.
Schauffele was among the most vocal critics of PGA Tour Commission Jay Monahan when the PGA Tour stunned its players with a plan to partner with LIV Golf organizers. Expressing his disappointment, Schauffele revealed that the decision had caused him to lose trust in the tour’s leadership. However, entering 2024, Schauffele is intentionally steering clear of the issue, allowing the negotiation period to unfold without his involvement.
While the golf community awaits a resolution between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the latter organization made headlines by signing Jon Rahm away from the former. When asked about Rahm’s departure, Schauffele remained tight-lipped, choosing not to comment on the matter.
Amidst the turmoil and uncertainties surrounding golf’s future, Schauffele is focused on his own game. After a successful 2022 season that saw him clinch three victories, he fell short of lifting any trophies in 2023. Therefore, his primary objective for 2024 is to return to the winner’s circle. Unapologetically driven to achieve his personal ambition, Schauffele sees himself as an entertainer and admits to being entirely consumed by his job.
As the 2024 season gets underway, Xander Schauffele’s unique approach to the year ahead raises eyebrows within the golfing world. While many anticipate better clarity on the future of the sport and the resolution between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Schauffele’s quirky stance may offer him the peace and focus needed to perform at his best.
Greg Robertson contributes to golf coverage for a reputable news outlet. He can be reached at grobertson@reviewjournal.com.
