Home/Golf

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

0
  Debate

Debate

Xander Schauffele's cigar celebration—classy or over the top? What do you think?

Yet another legacy! Xander Schauffele has finally broken almost a decade-old record. Two major wins in one calendar year since Jordan Spieth set the record in 2015. Xander Schauffele fought against the brutal winds at the Royal Troon to hoist the Claret Jug and a massive winner’s share of $3.1 million. Hence, such an occasion certainly calls for a grand celebration. And Xander Schauffele chose to pick up some cigars to commemorate the victory.

In his latest Instagram post, Xander Schauffele shared a photo with his father, Stefan Schauffele, and his caddie, Austin Kaiser. The trio was seen smoking together while enjoying Schauffele’s win. While both Xander and Stefan Schauffele held a cigar each in their mouths, Kaiser was noted to smoke only a cigarette.

The replica of the Claret Jug, on the other hand, shone in the dark in the elder Schauffele’s hand. The two-time Major winner captioned the post, “Open victory cigar with the boys 🏆.” The PGA Tour’s official Facebook page also shared the post and celebrated the return of Cigar Xander.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

However, this was certainly not the only time Schauffele celebrated with a cigar. After his PGA Championship victory this season, as well as his 2021 Ryder Cup win, Xander Schauffele trended on the internet to celebrate his victories with cigars. The golfer has always been regarded as the cigar aficionado in the community. According to Cigaraficionado.com, the winner of the 152nd Open Championship revealed his go-to cigar when on the greens. He confessed, “When I golf, it’s Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro.”

This side of Xander Schauffele, however, has been discovered by the golf community for some time now. Hence, when they witnessed that the cigars were back, they went into a frenzy quite instantly. This includes Minjee Lee’s brother, Min Woo Lee, who was so impressed by the photo that he shared a GIF of Tom of Tom & Jerry smoking a cigar with a cowboy hat on.

The golf community celebrates the return of Cigar Xander

What’s your perspective on:

Xander Schauffele's cigar celebration—classy or over the top? What do you think?

Have an interesting take?

One of the fans deemed Schauffele to have the title of “Champion Smoker of the Year.” After his victory in the 2024 PGA Championship, Schauffele was given a cigar by one of the Valhalla members. Although he did not know what he was smoking, he later reflected on how nice it had been. Schauffele has previously reported having at least one cigar per nine holes; according to Cigaraficionado.com, he often has as many as three if he feels a little ‘funny’.

The golfer has been celebrating with cigars both on and off the greens after getting entitled as a champion. He was reported to have continued smoking even at the rental property where he was staying. He paired his cigar with some Bourbon. This time was no exception; following his Open Championship win, the golfer retained both the “Champion” and “Smoker” titles.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Another fan commented, “Congratulations… What a team! Enjoy the spoils, boys!!!” When it comes to cigarettes, Schauffele has always followed in his father’s footsteps. With Austin Kaiser on the bag and his father’s support, Xander Schauffele had earned the winning title, so naturally, he was also smoking up with them to celebrate. Stefan Schauffele has been a devoted smoker as well. The Nicaraguan Oliva Serie V Melanio is his favorite. It was he who introduced cigarettes to Xander Schauffele when he was only 10 years old. Although the conscious father kept it in check, Xander Schauffele was not inhaling any smoke. Stefan once revealed, “You need to realize that you don’t inhale at a very young age. I gave him Montecristos when he was 12 for birthdays, special occasions, and New Year’s. No inhaling. You do it once, and then you know.” 

“If major=cigar, you’re going to have to get more cigars,” said another fan. Apart from his two major wins this season, Xander Schauffele was not too far away from winning the rest. In the Master’s Tournament, the golfer finished T8, while his US Open finish was T7. Both being in the Top 10, the 30-year-old golfer projected much potential consistently throughout the season. Hence, fans can easily assume that Schauffele might be able to enjoy more cigarettes in his upcoming career to celebrate his major victories.

Some other fans reflected, “You and Bob need to smoke one of those together.” Much like Schauffele, Bob MacIntyre has won his first two PGA Tour wins this year: the RBC Canadian Open and his home game, the Scottish Open. Schauffele was asked if he wished to celebrate in the same manner as MacIntyre did. In response, Xander Schauffele reflected on the difference between the two golfers regarding celebration. Schauffele revealed that, unlike MacIntyre, he does not like much alcohol. Instead of an insane party, as Bob MacIntyre had, he wished to have a low-key one with family. Yet the fans fancy seeing both the winners celebrating together with cigars after they hoisted their cups a week apart.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

While most fans were appreciating his cigar photo, one fan reminded him of the upcoming challenge. They said, “What a great win for a great guy. Congratulations Xander. You deserved it. Now sober up and go win the gold medal again!” The Paris games are starting in a week, and Xander Schauffele will again represent the USA. The golfer won the nation a gold medal at the last Olympics in Tokyo. He shot a final round of 67 to beat Slovakian golfer Rory Sabbatini by one shot. As the Olympics are approaching soon enough, the fan wishes Schauffele to focus on yet another gold by coming out of his celebratory intoxication.

Do you think Xander Schauffele will be able to smoke yet another celebratory cigar after the Paris Games? Let us know in the comments below.