Xander Schauffele Triumphs in a Thrilling 2024 PGA Championship

In an electrifying conclusion to the 106th PGA Championship, American golfer Xander Schauffele clinched his first major title at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. This victory marked a significant milestone for Schauffele, who has long been considered one of the most talented golfers without a major win.

The tournament kicked off with a bang for Schauffele, who shot a sensational 9-under 62 on Thursday, tying the record for the lowest round score in major history. This blazing start established Schauffele as the man to beat, putting him at the top of the leaderboard.

Friday and Saturday saw several contenders making significant moves up the leaderboard, with Bryson DeChambeau and Colin Morikawa positioning themselves as two of Schauffele's main challengers. Viktor Hovland also made his presence felt as he climbed up the ranks.

On Sunday, DeChambeau delivered a near-perfect round, shooting a bogey-free 64 to finish at 20-under for the tournament. His aggressive playstyle and spectacular execution kept the competition tight, compelling Schauffele to maintain his best performance.

The championship's outcome hinged on the final hole. Tied at 20-under with 1 hole to play, Schauffele's final drive landed precariously on the edge of a bunker, creating a challenging lie. Demonstrating nerves of steel, he executed two brilliant shots to position himself six feet from the hole. With DeChambeau warming up for a potential playoff, Schauffele faced the most critical putt of his career.

The six-foot putt, though not long, carried immense pressure. Schauffele knew this moment could define his career. Blocking out the roaring crowd and the weight of his previous near-misses, he steadied himself, focusing solely on the task at hand. As the ball edged towards the hole, it took a heart-stopping trip around the lip of the cup before finally dropping in. Schauffele's long wait for a major title ended.

The crowd erupted in celebration as Schauffele, overwhelmed with emotion, celebrated and lifted the Wanamaker Trophy aloft. Reflecting on his victory, Schauffele said, “I was actually kind of emotional after the putt lipped in. It’s been a while since I’ve won, and I really just kept saying it all week, ‘I just need to stay in my lane.’ Man, was it hard to stay in my lane today, but I tried all day to just keep focus on what I’m trying to do and keep every hole ahead of me.”

Bryson DeChambeau congratulated Schauffele and expressed optimism for his own future performances. “First … proud of Xander for finally getting the job done. He’s an amazing golfer and a well deserved major champion now,” DeChambeau said. "I played well, didn't strike it my best all week. Felt like I had my B-game, pretty much. My putting was A+, my wedging was A+, short game was A+, driving was like B. You know, shot 20-under-par in a major championship. Proud of myself for the way I handled adversity. Definitely disappointing, but one that gives me a lot of momentum for the rest of the majors.”

Xander Schauffele's victory at the 2024 PGA Championship is a testament to his resilience. Overcoming numerous near-misses in previous majors, Schauffele demonstrated the poise and determination required to succeed at the highest level. This long-awaited triumph promises an exciting future for the newly crowned major champion.