Xander Schauffele Pursues Vital Return to Form at Valspar Championship
Xander Schauffele aims to rebuild momentum at the Valspar Championship after a challenging weekend at The Players Championship, where he shot 77-81. Currently just two shots off the lead through 36 holes at Innisbrook, Schauffele is showing promising signs of form recovery.
After an intensive practice session Wednesday evening, Schauffele is focusing on "playing golf, not playing golf swing" – a shift from his technical approach at TPC Sawgrass. His ball-striking has been exceptional, leading the field in Strokes Gained: Approaching the green, though his short game (78th) and putting (95th) still need improvement.
The Valspar marks only his 10th competitive round since January, following a rib injury. Despite his team's attempts to limit his practice, Schauffele has been pushing through ball count restrictions, driven by a desire to regain his form before the Masters.
His current position at Innisbrook is particularly encouraging, given the course's demanding nature. With tree-lined fairways and strategic requirements for positioning, the venue rewards precise play and patience – qualities that could help Schauffele extend his Tour-leading streak of 60 consecutive made cuts.
The weekend ahead presents an opportunity for Schauffele to find his rhythm on a course he describes as one where "you can kind of hang in there and your name will be up there on Sunday." With Viktor Hovland one shot ahead and showing strong putting performance, Schauffele's combination of precise approach play and growing confidence could prove crucial for a potential victory.