Xander Schauffele is living his best life as a two-time major champion, or so one would think. The golfer has some serious skills on the course, and his down-to-earth personality has made him a fan favorite. But let’s be real: fame can be a double-edged sword. Schauffele’s had to navigate a whole new level of attention and scrutiny, and it’s not always easy. Still, he’s taking it all in stride and focusing on what matters most, his golf game.
In the latest podcast episode by Drop Zone on Spotify, Schauffele sat down with Dylan Dethier. He talked about how his life has changed since winning his second major. He also discussed his recent recruitment to Tiger Woods’s TGL, a new tech-infused golf league that’s been making waves in the golf world. Schauffele joked that his wife talks to him more now, “My wife talks to me more now, which is cool,” he joked. But, on a more serious note, he also mentioned that being in the spotlight isn’t always comfortable for him. “Being on TV and those things are not like a comfort zone,” he said. With TGL adding to his already growing popularity, Schauffele is having to adapt to a whole new level of fame. Still, he’s trying to make the most of it and enjoy the experiences that come with being a champion golfer.
When asked how TGL has affected his personal life, Schauffele acknowledged that it’s brought even more attention his way. “I’d say a little bit more recognition,” he noted. “The major is obviously helping that.” However, he’s still managing to keep his daily life relatively normal. “I can still go do normal things without being absolutely mobbed,” he said. “That part’s appreciated.” It’s clear that Schauffele is still getting used to all the attention, but he’s grateful for the opportunities that come with it.
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In contrast, Schauffele’s first TGL look was, well, not what the fans wanted, and you’ll know why soon enough.
Xander Schauffele’s TGL debut was not what everyone was expecting
Schauffele’s first outing in the TGL, a new golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, didn’t exactly go as planned. Competing for New York Golf Club against The Bay, Schauffele’s team was handed a crushing 9-2 defeat. To make matters worse, Schauffele himself had a bit of a meltdown on the 12th hole. Thinning a chip shot off the back of the green and earning a chorus of boos from the crowd. “I probably would have booed me too,” Schauffele joked afterward, showing he can take a joke.
Schauffele’s struggles on the course may have something to do with the fact that he’s still adjusting to a new swing technique he’s been working on with coach Chris Como. “Everything I was working on with Chris still feels like my swing, but it’s still something that’s a little bit uncomfortable,” Schauffele explained. Despite the embarrassing loss, Schauffele’s team will have a chance to bounce back in future matches. And with Tiger Woods pleased with how the game played out, it’s clear that the TGL is off to a promising start.
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Debate
Will Xander Schauffele's humor and humility help him bounce back in the TGL after a rough start?