Xander Schauffele's Challenging Season

Xander Schauffele, the reigning Open champion, has faced a tumultuous 2025 season. Despite his previous successes, including an Olympic gold medal and multiple PGA Tour victories, Schauffele's journey this year has been anything but smooth. A rib injury early in the season set the tone for what he describes as a 'battle' that 'drives me nuts.'

The Struggle for Consistency

Schauffele's season began with a significant setback due to a rib injury, which forced him to miss the first few weeks of competition. Upon his return, he struggled to find the form that once made him a dominant force in golf. His swing, once a model of precision, became inconsistent, leading to 'bad habits' that have been difficult to shake.

'I've hit a lot of bad shots from a certain place but it was home for me,' Schauffele admitted. 'I've been playing from that, call it short and laid off and shut.'

The Mental Battle

The physical challenges have been compounded by mental struggles. Schauffele has found himself second-guessing his technique and tinkering with his swing, a malaise that has affected his performance on the course. 'What would make me really happy is that I can just play freely,' he said. 'I think the obstacles of trying to play really good golf and then playing bad golf and then just fiddling all day long is really what drives me nuts.'

Looking Ahead to The Open

As Schauffele prepares to defend his Open Championship title, his goals are modest. 'I'm trying to get into some sort of contention; to try and feel something again, other than upset,' he said. 'I think I've just been angry-ish. The biggest emotion of this is frustrating, versus why we love playing to be in contention and kind of see what you can do.'

Despite his struggles, Schauffele remains determined to overcome his challenges. 'If I can play 72 holes without fiddling with my golf swing this week, that would be a massive win, and wherever I finish, I finish,' he said. 'That would be a good place for me to get to before I play next week.'

A Champion's Resilience

Schauffele's journey this season is a testament to the resilience required to compete at the highest level of golf. As he seeks to regain his form and defend his Open Championship title, the golfing world watches with anticipation, hoping to see the return of the champion they know and admire.