They say form is temporary and class is permanent – and Xander Schauffele is banking on just that as he gears up for a crucial fortnight on golf’s biggest stage.
The World Number Three returns to the Genesis Scottish Open – a venue that’s been kind to him in the past – looking to reignite the spark that saw him lift two Major trophies in 2024. A niggling rib injury derailed his early season, with an intercostal strain and cartilage tear keeping him out for two months. But after a respectable top ten at Augusta and a T12 finish at the U.S. Open, the Californian is ready to crank things up a notch ahead of his Open Championship title defence at Royal Portrush.
Resetting The Open Champ
“It’s been a weird year,” Schauffele admitted. “Coming off what I did last year, then getting hurt and not playing well… I’ve had to reset. I’m in full chase mode now.”
Chase mode or not, there’s no mistaking Schauffele’s intent. He still believes he can win any week – and with Scotland’s golf coast offering the perfect prep ground, don’t rule him out.
And he’s not the only one with eyes on the prize.
Home Hero
Scotland’s own Connor Syme arrives at Renaissance riding high after bagging his maiden DP World Tour title at the KLM Open. The 29-year-old is buzzing to be teeing it up in front of home fans and spoke glowingly about the influence of Scottish Golf on his journey to the top.
“I love this place,” Syme said. “Every year it gets better – more linksy, more of a challenge. It’s special. And honestly, Scottish Golf’s support meant I didn’t need to go to college in the States. The exposure we had – South Africa, Australia, the Middle East – was incredible. It made me feel ready for life on Tour.”
Syme partners with U.S. Open champ J.J. Spaun and England’s Tommy Fleetwood in a star-studded group, and with a best finish of T15 here last year, he’ll be confident of contending again.
Stars Gather
The field? Absolutely stacked.
The world’s top three – Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Schauffele – headline a ridiculous line-up, with Major winners Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa joining Ryder Cup stars Åberg, Straka, Hovland and Fleetwood.
Defending champion Robert MacIntyre leads the Scottish charge, hoping for a bit more home magic to fend off 13 of the world’s top 20.
Portrush may be next on the calendar, but make no mistake – the battle starts here.
