Xander Schauffele has had to take a bit of a backseat so far in 2025 as he’s watched Rory McIlroy dominate and ahead of The Truist Championship, the American has been speaking of his rival.
McIlroy has already won three times this season, all on the big stages as well, including his memorable triumph at The Masters last month.
That’s shunted Schauffele down to world number three, although world number one Scottie Scheffler remains clear at the top after his record equalling effort at the Byron Nelson.
Of course, Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam is the highlight of the golfing calendar so far this season.
Xander SchauffeleMcIlroy became just the seventh player to reach the milestone but speaking on his own ambitions ahead of The Truist Championship this week, Xander Schauffele has suggested it’s a big driver behind his own career goals.
Xander Schauffele comments on Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam win
Schauffele is looking to get back to his best form at The Truist and with the PGA Championship next up, the world number three will want to be primed to defend his title.
However, when quizzed on what McIlroy has done this season, Schauffele admitted he finds it pretty inspiring.
“Yeah, it’s a couple things. I think you realise how hard it is. It took him 11 years, and Jordan is the next closest, and then everyone else before that had like three years before they clipped it,” Schauffele admitted.
“One, getting yourself in position to do it would be awesome. I’m far away. Closer than some, but I still feel far away. I still need to win another major before — I should say the correct major before I’m in the talks of it. Yeah, it’s extremely motivating. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
“I think there’s a reason there’s only seven guys. It’s a big honor, and it’s quite the career accomplishment. Yeah, there’s a lot of things that motivate me, but that’s always been something I’ve wanted to do.”
Xander Schauffele’s 2025 results
Schauffele is one of a number of top players who have had injury issues already in 2025 and it’s little wonder he hasn’t quite got to his best yet.
However, there are signs he isn’t too far away and just like Scottie Scheffler winning last weekend, it feels a matter of time before Schauffele wins again.
Schauffele has finished inside the top 20 in his last three starts, including a nice T8 at Augusta and a T18 at his last tourmament, the RBC Heritage.
| Tournament | Result |
| The Sentry | T30 |
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | T40 |
| The PLAYERS | 72 |
| Valspar Championship | T12 |
| The Masters | T8 |
| RBC Heritage | T18 |
Based on the consistency he is now showing again, Schauffele doesn’t seem too far off it and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him come out on top at the Truist.
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