Xander Schauffele, who captured the Gold Medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was widely expected to replicate his success at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Heading into the final round at Le Golf National, Schauffele shared the 54-hole lead and was well-positioned for a podium finish. His performance over the first three days, which included a remarkable eagle on the 14th hole on Saturday and an average of 5.3 birdies per round, had made him one of the favorites to win.
However, Sunday did not go as planned for Schauffele. Despite his earlier confidence, he struggled with his swing, managing only three birdies in the final round, with just one on the back nine. The turning point came on the par-4 16th hole, where a costly double bogey effectively ended his chances of securing a medal. Schauffele ultimately finished in ninth place, missing out on a podium finish altogether.
Despite this setback, Schauffele’s 2024 season has been impressive. He currently ranks second in the FedEx Cup Standings, trailing only Olympic Gold Medalist Scottie Scheffler. With two major titles and 12 top-10 finishes this year, Schauffele remains a strong contender as the FedEx Cup Playoffs approach.
The playoffs are set to begin at the FedEx St. Jude Championship on August 15th, leaving Schauffele little time to dwell on his Olympic disappointment as he eyes the top spot in the standings.
