Xander Schauffele has revealed whether he thinks he’s at the same “elite” level as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy ahead of the Memorial Tournament this week.
After sealing his maiden major title at the PGA Championship, the American is among the favourites at Muirfield Village for the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event.
Schauffele, Scheffler and McIlroy are the star names in a high-profile field in Dublin as the world’s best fine-tune their skills ahead of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2, which starts on June 13.
And, unsurprisingly, Schauffele was the centre of media attention ahead of Thursday’s first tee.
Xander Schauffele says whether he’s at an elite level ahead of the Memorial Tournament
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, the American was asked whether his PGA Championship win means he’s now among the world’s elite players.
“I think winning a tournament is truly a result; it really is,” he explained. “I think what separates guys out here is their ability to hit certain shots.”
The 30-year-old went on to laud Scheffler and McIlroy’s ability to hit specific shots better than anyone else.
He added: “You look at someone like Scottie or Rory. You just run through all the top players when they’re playing at a really high level; they separate themselves from the field by putting like Wyndham, driving it like Rory, hitting it way up in the sky and outhitting everyone you’re playing or just Scottie wearing out all his irons and every fairway.”
Despite praising the world-class duo, Schauffele does believe he’s also among the world’s elite.
He said: “I feel like I’ve entered a little bit more of that space just playing, and my game has become a little bit more elite just the way I was able to work my way around Quail Hollow and then Valhalla.”
Xander Schauffele is on Scottie Scheffler’s level
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There can be no doubt that, on current form, Schauffele is operating at the same level as Scheffler and McIlroy.
The American’s tee-to-green play is arguably the best on the PGA Tour – and after his victory at the PGA Championship, the 30-year-old proved his mental game is also up to scratch.
Delivering the most pressurised moments is what defines the best and something the American must continue if he wishes to succeed at the Memorial and the upcoming U.S. Open.
Golf fans around the world must savour the current performance on the PGA Tour. Over the next two weeks, fans will be treated to the highest calibre of golf on two of the biggest stages possible.
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