Xander Schauffele Reveals How He Helped Justin Thomas Rediscover His Putting Stroke
Justin Thomas recently credited Xander Schauffele for helping him rediscover his putting fundamentals, leading to his drought-breaking win at the RBC Heritage. However, Schauffele modestly downplayed his role in Thomas' success.
During their practice session in Jupiter, Florida, Schauffele helped Thomas realize he had strayed from his successful putting foundations while chasing improvements. Thomas had previously ranked 174th and 135th in putting during 2024 and 2023 but has improved to 24th this season.
Schauffele noted that Thomas already had the answers, saying, "He's always been so good. He's been a former No. 1 in the world. I'm the one that was there before asking him what he was doing, how he prepared, how he competed."
Both players are now considered strong contenders for the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. Thomas won there in 2017, while Schauffele has two runner-up finishes at the venue during Wells Fargo Championships.
Schauffele could make history by becoming just the third player to win consecutive PGA Championships in the stroke-play era, joining Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka. However, he'll face stiff competition from Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, and recent career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy.
Speaking about competing against McIlroy, Schauffele admitted, "The times I think about competing against him, I feel like he's gotten the best of me almost every time." He particularly remembered McIlroy's dominant performance at last year's Wells Fargo Championship, hoping to reverse the outcome at the upcoming PGA Championship.