Golf has given the fans many tales of great friendship among the professionals and their companions on the greens. But recently, what has stood out and earned praise is Xander Schauffele for helping pro and good friend Justin Thomas. Recently, JT, lit up Harbour Town with a blistering 10-under 61 in the opening round of the 2025 RBC Heritage, setting a new course record and putting the field on notice in style. After this long-overdue victory, he talked about his game and credited Schauffele for his help in improving it.

Even for the fact the RBC Heritage winner has shared it twice, first with Todd Lewis during an interview and then later during the post-match press conference. He shared how he struggled with putting and admired the exceptional skill set of Schauffele. Following on from struggle and admiration, he went on to ask for help. As he shared about their call, saying, “As funny as it is, a huge help. I called Xander at the end of last year because I think he’s one of the best putters in fundamentals and not just putting but everything, and I was just like, can I just pick your brain for like two or three hours, just talk to you about putting.” The three-hour conversation has helped JT end his victory drought, as his last win came at the PGA Championship in 2022.

However, the statement left the golf community in speculation for their discussion. But luckily, Schauffele has joined Sky Sports Golf to shed light on it. The host, Jamie Weir, asked him about the credits he received after the RBC Heritage. Speaking for that, the 31-year-old said, “He’s given me too much credit.” He further added, “You know it’s one of those things where you sort of ask your buddy, what you’re thinking, how you’re thinking it.” Even for the questions part, JT also pointed out how Schauffele kept asking him questions to find out the flaw or missing piece of the puzzle.

Xander Schauffele in the podcast further shared about the conversation that, “The conversation was probably more along the lines of maybe I’m a lot closer to putting better than I thought. If I gave him that little bit of confidence, then you know that’s good for JT.” Well, earlier this year, Smylie Kaufman had predicted a successful 2025 season for Thomas, and it seems like it’s unfolding so.

Then, Thomas’ selection of a new putter, tailored to his preferences, may have contributed to his improved performance on the greens. After spending time together during events, Thomas was influenced by Spieth’s choice of a Scotty Cameron prototype mallet putter. He found it beneficial and requested a similar model for himself, which he used during the Genesis Scottish Open.

On the other side, despite helping his fellow, Schauffele is still struggling to find his form and has even struggled with his putting. He shared about it further in the podcast.

Xander Schauffele’s struggle with putting

Sharing on getting extra credits for the win, Schauffele shares about boosting confidence for JT, but concludes with a sentence about the struggle. He said, “I gave him that little bit of confidence, then that’s good for JT and it sucks for me.” He admitted that his game feels “pretty gross” and acknowledged challenges in various aspects, including chipping and hitting fairways. Well, the golfer who has helped in a victorious stance of JT and is praised by many professionals for his putting, but he is currently struggling with his game.

Schauffele, after his exceptional performance in 2024, was expected to be at his prime, but it didn’t happen as expected. His performance after the rib injury has declined. Even the two-time major champion’s stats, which helped him earn praise, have been affected. Schauffele in 2024 was 12th on the list of strokes gained in putting (0.510). While he was 19th on putting average (1.723) and putts per round (28.29). However, for this season, it has been the opposite. He is ranked 156th for strokes gained in putting (-0.475). Further, for his putting average of 1.772 and putts per round, he is placed 136 and 147th, respectively. Tackling this tricky sandtrap, he continues to work closely with his coach, Chris Como, to refine his swing and address the issues affecting his short game.

Even after helping other golfers to victory, the struggle for Xander Schauffele continues. Can it end anytime soon? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.