Xander Schauffele clinched his first major title with a record-setting performance at the US PGA Championship, held at Valhalla in Kentucky. Schauffele finished the tournament at 21 under par, narrowly edging out Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland to claim victory.
The 30-year-old Californian golfer maintained his lead throughout the tournament, which began with him matching the best round ever recorded at a major with a stunning 62 in the first round. Schauffele’s final round of six-under 65 secured his triumph and the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy by a single shot.
Hovland made a strong push with six birdies in eight holes around the turn, temporarily taking the lead. However, Schauffele reclaimed his position with critical birdies on the 11th and 12th holes. DeChambeau, benefiting from a fortunate bounce off a tree on the 16th hole, birdied both the 16th and 18th holes to finish with a 64, putting him level with Schauffele momentarily.
Hovland faltered under pressure, taking three shots from 10 feet on the final hole and finishing at 18 under. Schauffele, often criticized for not closing out tournaments, remained composed and sank a nerve-wracking six-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to secure his long-awaited major victory.