Xander Schauffele, boasting seven wins on his resume, and eight if you count the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, is on the brink of potentially claiming his most prestigious title yet as he heads into the final round of the Players Championship on Sunday.
Following a flawless third-round 65, matching his score from Thursday’s opening round, the 30-year-old finds himself atop the leaderboard at TPC Sawgrass—a course where he has previously faced challenges. Despite missing three consecutive cuts here before, he managed a T19 finish last year.
Schauffele erased a four-shot deficit to Wyndham Clark and now leads by one, thanks to a solid four-birdie display on the front nine and a gritty performance on the back nine.
Despite hitting only two fairways on the back nine, Schauffele managed to keep his round bogey-free, with a 58-footer on the par-4 14th hole being particularly noteworthy, propelling him into the lead.
Reflecting on his performance, Schauffele highlighted the importance of maintaining composure and staying focused throughout the round. He emphasized the significance of avoiding distractions and maintaining confidence, particularly during pivotal moments.
Despite the challenges, Schauffele remains optimistic and is focused on continuing to fine-tune his game with the help of his coach, Chris Como.
Looking ahead to the final round, Schauffele acknowledges the tough competition but remains determined to stay in his lane and enjoy the experience. While recognizing the potential for low scores, he remains focused on maintaining his composure and enjoying the moment.
