Xander Schauffele can be reasonably content with his performance on the opening day of The Open Championship, with the defending champion posting a level par round of 71 at Royal Portrush.
He is far from off being out of contention after Thursday at The Open Championship. However, Xander Schauffele has plenty of work to do if he is going to leave Northern Ireland with the Claret Jug.
The American was tied for fourth after day one 12 months ago. This time around, he is much closer to being in the middle of the pack. He made three birdies and three bogeys to leave himself at least four shots back of those who had been leading towards the end of the day.
But that has arguably been the story of Schauffele’s season.
Xander Schauffele discusses the shots which frustrated him during the first round at The Open Championship
Schauffele’s start to the year was disrupted by a rib injury which ruled him out for a number of weeks. And it seems safe to say that the 31-year-old has not quite found his best form since returning.
Overall, Schauffele suggested that he was largely happy with his performance on Thursday at The Open. However, there were a couple of shots which caused a little frustration.
“I think it’s pretty good. I hit some good shots. I felt like — nitpicking myself, misread a few six to eight foot putts, the two that I missed today. Those were bothering me the most,” he said.
“Other than that, I feel like my swings didn’t put me in any weird spots where I couldn’t play from.”
Xander Schauffele comments on the fan reaction he received at Royal Portrush
Schauffele’s performance at Royal Troon was so impressive last year, particularly over the weekend. His 69 on Saturday was exceptional, while his 65 in the final round was a fitting way to get across the line.
The weather was brutal at times in South Ayrshire. And Schauffele compared the conditions at the two events following his opening round this week. He also spoke about the reception he received from the fans since arriving in Northern Ireland.
“It was a little bit windier, a little bit more rain last year. It kind of just depends on what part of the course you’re on. I remember last year when I was playing in some wind and rain, some of those holes were kind of right-to-left and helping on that front nine. You can kind of play some rainy downwind holes.
“Today I felt like a lot of the holes were sort of into left-to-right, wind and rain, and you’re trying everything you can to keep that golf ball and your club face dry so it doesn’t square off playing it.
“Today felt the same. It’s Thursday of a major. It’s a positioning battle. If you’re getting good clubs and this and that, you can kind of go out there and shoot a nice number, but it’s really just trying to position yourself come the weekend. Maybe then it will be an advantage. As of right now, the same nerves, the same kind of everything for a normal major.
“Yeah, I think just a little bit more recognition around here. The fans are awesome. People yelling your name a few more times, but other than that, I felt like even before I won any majors, they were always pretty kind to me.”
Schauffele is far from being out of contention at this early stage. But you would imagine that he will need to produce the kind of shots which give the galleries plenty to cheer if he is going to be able to make his way through the field over the next three days.
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