Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele have separated from FedExCup pack
Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have become dominant forces in the world of golf, establishing themselves as frontrunners in the FedExCup race. Both players, who share not only a similarity in their last names but also in their impressive performances, have left their competitors trailing in their wake.
As they prepared for the BMW Championship at Castle Pines, where the first tee sits at a lofty 6,400 feet above sea level, the duo shared a light-hearted moment as they warmed up on the driving range, a testament to their camaraderie. This week, they will once again be paired together at the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, where Scheffler will start with a two-stroke advantage over Schauffele under the Starting Strokes format.
Scheffler, who has consistently found himself at the top, expressed his desire to maintain his lead, emphasizing the importance of every stroke in a tournament. He is no stranger to success, having won the Masters this season, while Schauffele claimed victory at both the PGA Championship and The Open. Together, they have amassed a remarkable 29 top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR, with Scheffler securing six wins and Schauffele two.
Despite their similar achievements, Scheffler and Schauffele have distinct playing styles. Scheffler, a native of Dallas, Texas, is known for his exceptional ball-striking and consistency with his irons. His dominance in approach shots from various distances has earned him the top spot in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. Schauffele, on the other hand, hails from San Diego and has become renowned for his putting prowess, ranking seventh in Strokes Gained: Putting. He has also made significant strides in his driving distance, thanks to changes in his swing and rigorous gym work.
Their contrasting approaches are further highlighted by their physical differences. Scheffler stands at 6 feet, 3 inches, towering over the 5-foot-10 Schauffele, yet both players possess the ability to outdrive many of their peers. In terms of total driving, Scheffler ranks fourth, with Schauffele closely behind in fifth place. These slim margins are a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and their ability to minimize mistakes on the course.
Their peers, including Justin Thomas and Billy Horschel, have lauded both players for their hard work, consistency, and respect for the game. These qualities have undoubtedly contributed to their success, with both players being described as "unflappable" and "relentless."
The rivalry between Scheffler and Schauffele has been a focal point of the season, with each player pushing the other to new heights. At the recent FedEx St. Jude Championship, Schauffele's final-round 63 secured him a tie for second place, while Scheffler finished fourth. This level of competition has propelled both players to surpass 5,000 FedExCup points, with Scheffler leading at 6,615 and Schauffele following at 5,422.
As they head into the TOUR Championship, the anticipation is palpable. Scheffler and Schauffele will be paired together once more, with Scheffler aiming to secure his first TOUR Championship win and Schauffele looking to add to his 2017 victory. Regardless of the outcome, their rivalry has added an exciting dynamic to the season, showcasing the very best of men's professional golf.
