Did Xander Schauffele Fire His Dad Stefan as Coach? Tour Pro’s Essence of PGA Championship Win Explored

Xander Schauffele‘s victory in the 2024 PGA Championship unfolded dramatically. His record-breaking total of 263 strokes over four rounds marks the lowest-scoring total in major championship history. But was there more to his historic win? Absolutely!

After the championship, Schauffele disclosed that he has been collaborating with his new swing coach, Chris Como, for some time now. However, what about his former coach, his father, Stefan Schauffele? The pro clarified that his father was not replaced but supplemented in his coaching team.

Later, Stefan also disclosed the reason behind this change “Chris changed a teeny thing and he found answers that Xander and I together couldn’t come up with,” As his father highlighted the significant reasons, he also mentioned “We went trial and error, we went empirical, I couldn’t answer it. What is the point here? I didn’t know. But Chris had the answer right away.”

Following this revelation, it became evident that the new coach’s methods were effective, as Schauffele managed to secure the Wanamaker Trophy this year. Now, not only does the 32-year-old trust Como, but his father does as well, as he mentioned. “Now that I’m working with Chris, [my dad] feels like he can kind of take his hands off the wheel,” Xander said. “He trusts him a lot; I trust him a lot.” 

The golfer’s father quickly saw the value in trusting Como, the new coach. Upon Como’s arrival, he promptly identified a facet of Schauffele’s swing concerning hyperflexibility and his distinctive release pattern. This was an aspect Stefan had been unaware of, but the new coach noticed it right away and began addressing it. Despite currently collaborating with his new coach to enhance his game, the 2024 PGA Champion has undoubtedly experienced unforgettable achievements while working with his father.

A lifelong, unforgettable moment for Xander Schauffele and his father

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Schauffele clinched Team USA’s first Olympic gold medal since 1900, guided by his father, who was his swing coach at the time. While an Olympic gold medal is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement in an athlete’s life, this medal held extra significance for the golfer. Throughout the final round of the Olympics, with immense pressure mounting, Schauffele frequently glanced at his father.

As he sank his eight-foot birdie putt on 17, Stefan had already positioned himself to the left of the landing zone on 18, beginning his walk around the viewing area. The pressure heightened when the golfer sent his drive right once more. After laying up into the fairway, his wedge landed in the same spot as most wedge shots had on Sunday, spinning back like those before him.

As the golfer stood just four feet away from making history, he sank a crucial putt. Moments later, the ball dropped into the center of the cup, clinching victory for Team USA. After embracing his caddie, he dashed straight to his father, realizing he had fulfilled his father’s dream, shattered over 40 years ago. During that time, Stefan dreamed of competing in the Olympics for the German track and field team. However, a car accident caused by a drunk driver shattered his dream.

What do you think about Xander Schauffele and his father’s relationship? Do you believe they should start working together again? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!