Xander Schauffele produced the first big play of 2019 with a final round course-record 11-under-par 62 to win the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, and perhaps it was the one day when his wish to be Batman for the day came true…
The American, who played a 13-hole stretch in 10-under-par and made two eagles in the round, finished one clear of Gary Woodland for his fourth PGA Tour title.
“On a day like today, after you bogey the first hole and fall six behind, you kind of look around and realise you have nothing to lose. This win was in sort of dramatic fashion because it turned into a birdie-fest coming down the stretch.”
Overnight leader Woodland has now failed to convert a 54-hold lead all seven times he has led with 18 holes to go. Meanwhile Rory McIlroy, who was eight shots back on 15-under-par, was pleased with how his debut in the event went, finishing fourth.
“I didn’t press at all and I was pleased with my attitude. I was very patient, it’s just something I’m going to have to persist in, just keep putting myself in these positions and honestly, I don’t think anyone could have beaten Xander today,” said McIlroy.
Schauffele’s Batman obsession is explained by the man himself below:
