Xander Schauffele says what could happen to the golf course at the Truist Championship which would make it ‘scary’ to play

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Xander Schauffele is one of the favorites to win the Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club this week.

The world number three won two majors last year (PGA Championship and Open Championship) and was expected to have another huge season in 2025.

Unfortunately, a rib injury suffered after The Sentry in January led to two months on the sidelines until the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Since his return, Schauffele has had mixed results, from 72nd at The Players Championship to tied-8th at The Masters four weeks ago.

Especially with Scottie Scheffler sitting out, he has to be considered one of the leading contenders to win his first PGA Tour event of the season in Philadelphia.

Before the tournament started, Schauffele explained what would make the golf course a “scary test” for the players.

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Xander Schauffele says Truist Championship golf course could be ‘scary’

Schauffele is a world-class putter, so much so that Justin Thomas sought his help on the greens in the offseason.

So, in theory, the tougher the putting conditions, the more he should be able to separate himself from the majority of the field.

Well, that could happen at the Truist Championship this week, assuming the course management staff decides to test the players to the max.

“I’m not really sure,” Schauffele explained. “I feel like right now it’s weather-dependent. I’d say that right now, the greens are probably a little bit slower.

“To be honest, if the greens got really fast, it would probably be a pretty scary test with how much undulation or how much slope is on the green.

“I think the grass is a little bit different, and the greens might be a touch slower. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow, but if it doesn’t, I thought the greens were about a foot faster already.

“There’s definitely an ability to roll them and get them going if need be. I feel like they’re kind of keeping that up their sleeve.

Xander Schauffele compares Philadelphia Cricket Club to other golf courses

Schauffele was also asked about how Philly Cricket compares to other golf courses he’s played, and he picked out the 2016 PGA Championship host, Aronimink Golf Club.

“Some of the trees and the way the course sits, the grass, Aronimink kind of comes to mind a little bit. Aronimink kind of has more, maybe… not rolling hills, but it seems like the property has more slope in certain areas, in front of the fairways at least.

The 31-year-old also compared the Truist Championship venue to Ridgewood Country Club, the former Ryder Cup (1935) and US Amateur (1974 and 2022) venue.

“A course like Ridgewood… these are all courses that are kind of close. I’m just trying to think of courses I’ve played in this area. It just has that sort of nice Northeast feel. It’s a change for us, which is cool.”