Xander Schauffele says what he finds ‘crazy’ about TPC Sawgrass after playing in number of Players Championships

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It’s easy to forget Xander Schauffele finished one-shot back of Scottie Scheffler at The Players Championship back in March.

Schauffele’s PGA Championship victory and win at The Open, rightfully, made the headlines last season as the diminutive American proved himself to be Scheffler’s closest competitor.

Schauffele has been backed to complete the career grand slam, and given his upward trajectory, a US Open and a green jacket feel like only a matter of time.

However, before his maiden major victory at Valhalla, questions had emerged about the 31-year-old’s ability to close out tournaments. Schauffele faded after leading The Players, and a similar scenario played out at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.

What Xander Schauffele has said about The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass

The 2024 Players Championship was a tough pill to swallow for Schauffele. The two-time major winner dropped shots on 14 and 15 to effectively hand Scheffler the title.

In a recent video with Golf.com, Schauffele detailed just how challenging TPC Sawgrass’ closing holes are. The wind, in particular, plays tricks on the world’s best players.

“I don’t know if they show it on coverage like I know they do it at Sawgrass, which is so brutal,” Schauffele said. “I’ve watched on coverage when I was close to the final group when Scottie won. I was right in the hunt. I remember watching the telecast, and they’re on 17.

“This was a 140-yard shot, and it’s like blowing 12, and it was like ‘they feel right to left’ when the actual wind is straight down, and you watch like eight guys hit it straight over the green.”

What happened to Xander Schauffele atthe 2024 Players Championship?

After shooting a seven-under 65 in the first round, Schauffele was left to rue a costly double-bogey seven on the par-five 11th at TPC Sawgrass.

The American, however, bounced back during the third round with a bogey-free 65 to place himself firmly in contention heading into Sunday’s play.

Yet, three dropped shots cost Schauffele and eventually left him one short of Scheffler, who had found his top form during the final round.

Scheffler’s final round was kickstarted with an eagle on the par-four 4th before six more birdies followed. As is always the case with the world number one, he avoided any serious errors as those around him faltered.