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Xander Schauffele achieved a significant career milestone, winning the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The 30-year-old American clinched his first major title with a dramatic birdie on the final hole, edging out LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau by one shot.
Schauffele showcased remarkable consistency and skill throughout the tournament, leading from start to finish. He concluded the final round with a six-under-par 65, finishing at 21 under for the week.
Facing a tense final hole, Schauffele’s tee shot landed near the edge of a fairway bunker, forcing a tricky stance for his second shot, which he placed just short of the green. Demonstrating nerves of steel, he chipped to six feet and sank the birdie putt, achieving the lowest winning score to par in major championship history.
Reflecting on his win, Schauffele said, “I really didn’t want to go into a playoff against Bryson. I’m assuming we probably would have played 18. It would have been a lot of work. I just told myself, this is my opportunity, and just capture it.”
DeChambeau, who carded a flawless seven-under-par 64, finished two shots ahead of Viktor Hovland, whose spirited run was marred by a bogey on the final hole. DeChambeau’s commendable performance included a crucial birdie on the 18th, but Hovland’s missed birdie putt relegated him to third place.
DeChambeau graciously accepted his defeat, praising Schauffele: “It’s cool to see him – not only he’s just a great human being, but an unbelievable golfer, and it shows this week. Super happy for him.”
The final leaderboard at the PGA Championship showcased the intense competition:
- 1. Xander Schauffele (-21)
- 2. Bryson DeChambeau (-20)
- 3. Viktor Hovland (-18)
- 4. Thomas Detry (-15)
- 4. Collin Morikawa (-15)
- 6. Justin Rose (-14)
- 6. Shane Lowry (-14)
The championship saw a thrilling battle unfold among the top contenders. Schauffele maintained his lead despite pressure from Hovland, who briefly took the outright lead with a series of birdies. Schauffele’s resolve shone through as he regained the lead with back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th holes.
DeChambeau’s chances were bolstered by a fortunate break on the 16th hole, where his tee shot deflected off a tree into the fairway, leading to a pivotal birdie. Reflecting on the moment, DeChambeau humorously remarked, “Thank you to the tree.”
Scottie Scheffler, recovering from an earlier incident with police, finished strong with a six-under-par 65, although it wasn’t enough to challenge the leaders. Defending champion Brooks Koepka, aiming for a repeat win, finished with a solid 66 but fell short. Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, both former major champions, also ended the tournament with respectable finishes.
Schauffele’s victory at the PGA Championship marks a significant achievement in his career, promising more exciting performances in the future.
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