Xander Schauffele Clinches First Major with Record-Breaking Win at 2024 PGA Championship

Xander Schauffele clinched his first major title in spectacular fashion at the 2024 PGA Championship on Sunday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. With a dramatic birdie putt from six feet, Schauffele edged out Bryson DeChambeau by a single stroke, finishing with a record-breaking total of 21-under.

• Historic Achievement: Schauffele's final-round 6-under 65, including seven birdies, set the best score ever recorded at a major tournament.
• Tough Competition: He faced fierce competition from Viktor Hovland, Sahith Theegala, and DeChambeau, who finished his round as the co-leader and was ready for a playoff before Schauffele's decisive putt.

"I was kinda emotional after the putt lipped in," Schauffele shared on CBS. "It's been a while since I've won. I really kept saying all week that I just need to stay in my lane. Man, was it hard to stay in my lane today."

Schauffele began his final round strong, birdieing the first hole and maintaining his composure through the front nine with additional birdies on Nos. 4, 7, and 9. Despite a bogey on No. 10 that temporarily tied him with Hovland, Schauffele quickly bounced back with birdies on Nos. 11 and 12.

• High Stakes: DeChambeau, who was 7-under over his final 18 holes, finished second. Hovland placed third at 18-under after a 5-under 66, while Collin Morikawa and Thomas Detry tied for fourth at 15-under.
• Unexpected Event: Tournament favorite Scottie Scheffler had an eventful week, including being arrested on Friday on his way to the second round. Despite this, he finished with a final-round score of 6-under, tying for eighth.

Schauffele, who won a gold medal for Team USA at Tokyo 2020, had either a share of the lead or the outright lead each day of the tournament. His calm and resilient performance on the 18th green solidified his victory, earning him the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy and a $3.3 million first-place prize.

"I just told myself, 'This is my opportunity. Just capture it,'" Schauffele said, reflecting on his mindset before sinking the crucial putt.