Xander Schauffele captures historic PGA Championship at long last

Schauffele’s clutch moment on 18 earned him an epic record-breaking PGA Championship title and his first major.

Xander Schauffele fired off a 6-under 65 to win his first major at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. He went wire-to-wire on the week and broke a major record in the process.

His 21-under total is the lowest score to par in a major championship. Schauffele also tied the scoring record for 18 holes earlier in the week when he shot a 62 on Thursday.

It was a monumental day for the American, as he stayed the course. Nothing could rattle him. Schauffele made seven birdies and one lone bogey on his Sunday round. At long last, Schauffele is a major winner in his 8th PGA Championship appearance.

“I am very satisfied. But just a whirlwind of emotions,” Schauffele said.

“I knew I had to birdie the last hole, looking up at the board. I was trying to squeak a birdie in there somehow to have some kind of cushion. It was a hectic birdie, as well, but it was awesome. I kept telling myself, I need to earn this; I need to prove this to myself, and this is my time.”

Bryson DeChambeau made his own clutch birdie putt on 18 to tie Schauffele at 20-under. Many thought there would be a playoff between the two former Ryder Cup teammates, but Schauffele did not let that happen.

He came into this week with a new perspective as he worked with Chris Como on preparation.

“He’s helped me a ton. He’s given me so much confidence in my ball-striking ability, unlocking a few pieces to it,” Schauffele said.

“I did hit some nice shots coming down the stretch. Just some balls ended up in some weird places, but it’s all good now.”

The 30-year-old led the field this week in total strokes gained with 18.16. He was third off the tee, picking up 5.2 shots, and second in approaching the green, gaining almost eight strokes with his iron-play.

From tee to green, Schauffele had a fantastic week. He did not let any doubts creep in but instead played his game and took advantage of the opportunity in front of him.

His name will forever be etched on the Wanamaker Trophy as a major champion.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.