Xander Schauffele's Historic 2024: Two Major Championships and Record-Breaking Excellence

Xander Schauffele's 2024 season will be remembered as the year a supremely talented golfer finally broke through at golf's biggest stage. In a remarkable span of just two months, the American captured two major championships—the PGA Championship and The Open Championship—announcing his arrival among the sport's elite.

The PGA Championship Breakthrough

At Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, Schauffele won his first major championship in stunning fashion. His final score of 21-under 263 established a new major championship scoring record, surpassing the previous mark of 20-under held by Brooks Koepka (2018 PGA) and Henrik Stenson (2016 Open Championship).

Schauffele's victory was decisive. He defeated Bryson DeChambeau by a single stroke with a dramatic birdie on the 72nd hole—just the second time a player has won the PGA Championship with a birdie on the final hole to edge a runner-up by one stroke since Phil Mickelson in 2005.

His scoring throughout the week was exceptional:

• Round 1: 63 (-7)
• Round 2: 61 (-9, tying the Valhalla course record)
• Round 3: 67 (-3)
• Round 4: 65 (-6)

The Open Championship Victory

Just eight weeks later, Schauffele captured his second major at Royal Troon in Scotland. In a final-round shootout under demanding links conditions, he fired a 65 to win by two strokes over Billy Horschel and Justin Rose.

What made this victory particularly impressive was Schauffele's consistent excellence throughout the week. He shot rounds of 66-70-67-65, demonstrating the adaptability required to succeed in links golf. His final-round 65 in challenging Scottish conditions showcased the kind of clutch performance that defines major championship winners.

Historic Achievement

Schauffele became the first golfer to win two major championships in a single calendar year while shooting 65 in the final round of each major. This rare achievement speaks to both his talent and his ability to elevate his game in the most prestigious competitions.

American Sweep of All Four Majors

Schauffele's Open Championship victory triggered a remarkable milestone: the American sweep of all four major championships in 2024. For the first time since 1982, Americans captured every men's major championship:

• Masters: Scottie Scheffler
• U.S. Open: Bryson DeChambeau
• PGA Championship: Xander Schauffele
• Open Championship: Xander Schauffele

This achievement hasn't occurred since 1982, when American golfers dominated in similar fashion. The 42-year drought between American sweeps underscores how difficult it is for Americans to dominate all four majors simultaneously.

Breaking the Narrative

For much of his career, Schauffele had been labeled a talented player who couldn't convert in major championships. He had played in dozens of majors with multiple top-10 finishes but no victories. The narrative surrounding Schauffele centered on consistent excellence without the ultimate breakthrough.

The 2024 season shattered that narrative entirely. Not only did Schauffele win a major, but he won two majors—and he did so with record-setting performances. His 21-under score at Valhalla announced his arrival among golf's elite. His calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to execute in clutch moments proved that his previous near-misses were not evidence of a weakness but merely the prelude to inevitable success.

Presidents Cup Implications

Schauffele's 2024 success has profound implications for Team USA's 2026 Presidents Cup roster. He is now unquestionably one of America's top players and a lock to make the team. His partnership potential is exceptional—he can play with nearly any American, adapting his game to complement different playing styles.

In the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal, Schauffele had already demonstrated his team competition value with strong performances. With his major championship credentials now firmly established, his role in 2026 at Medinah will be that of a leading point producer.

Looking Ahead

Schauffele's 2024 campaign has fundamentally altered his legacy. What was once a career defined by "what ifs" is now defined by "what he accomplished." With two major championships in 2024, he has joined an exclusive group of modern golf's most successful players.

The question is no longer whether Schauffele can win major championships. It's how many he will win. With the ability to contend in all four majors and the temperament to finish strong when it matters most, Schauffele appears positioned for a career with multiple major championships.

2025 Season: A Year of Challenges

Schauffele's 2025 season presented a stark contrast to his triumphant 2024 campaign. A nagging rib injury hampered his performance throughout much of the year, limiting his ability to compete at full capacity. The injury forced him to miss significant time and ultimately prevented him from qualifying for the FedEx Cup playoffs—a disappointing outcome for a player accustomed to elite performance.

Despite playing through the injury, Schauffele went winless in 2025, failing to capture a single PGA Tour title after claiming two major championships the previous year. His world ranking declined as younger players and healthier competitors moved past him on leaderboards.

However, the setback may prove temporary. Schauffele's talent remains undeniable, and rib injuries, while frustrating, typically heal completely with proper rest and rehabilitation. His experience navigating this adversity will likely strengthen his mental resilience. Many elite players have bounced back stronger after injury-affected seasons, using the time away to refine their games and return with renewed focus.

Looking Ahead to 2026

For the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah, Captain Brandt Snedeker will be monitoring Schauffele's health closely. A fully healthy Schauffele—the player who set scoring records at Valhalla and conquered Royal Troon's demanding links—represents one of America's most potent weapons. His team competition record remains exemplary, and his partnership potential with players like Patrick Cantlay makes him invaluable in team formats.

The 2024 season will be remembered as the moment when Xander Schauffele transitioned from promising talent to major championship winner—and did so in historic fashion. While 2025 tested his resilience, the foundation he built with those two major championships cannot be erased. The golf world awaits his return to full health and full form.