Xander Schauffele held on for a first major triumph of his career thanks to a one-shot victory in a dramatic and tightly-contested PGA Championship.
The 30-year-old American headed into the final day at Valhalla, Kentucky tied for the lead alongside fellow countryman and two-time major winner Collin Morikawa and when heading to the back-nine had a two shot advantage. Moreover, late surges from American Bryson DeChambeau and Norway’s Viktor Hovland increased the pressure on Schauffele.
DeChambeau recovered from a wayward drive on 16 to birdie the hole as well as birdie the last which set off wild celebrations on the green. Hovland had the opportunity to match DeChambeau and create a three-way tie but succumbed to the pressure, three-putting the hole and dropping back to 18 under.
This left Schauffele, who had parred the previous five holes, needing a birdie on the last to secure victory. The Californian held his nerve to sink the six-foot birdie putt, finishing with a six-under 65, ending the tournament at 21 under, and claiming the famous Wanamaker Trophy.
This is a history-making total as it is the lowest winning score in men’s major history.
“I was emotional after the [winning] putt lipped in,” said Schauffele. “It’s been a while since I’ve won – I really did not want to go into a play-off with Bryson.
“My dad is in Hawaii and I managed to call him but I had to hang up quickly because he was making me cry.”
Morikawa finished on 14 under in fourth alongside Belgium’s Thomas Dentry after a disappointing final-round 71 while Scottie Scheffler, who became the center of attention due to the drama surrounding his early tournament arrest, ended tied-eight on 13 under.
What is the next major?
The next major on the men’s calendar is the U.S. Open taking place between 13-16 June at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, Pinehurst, North Carolina.