Xander Schauffele's wife blacked out during PGA Championship celebrations
Xander Schauffele's wife Maya admitted she 'blacked out' after watching her world No. 2 husband win his first major title at the PGA Championship last Sunday.
Schauffele prevailed following a tense final round, as he saw off LIV Golf rival Bryson DeChambeau by one shot. The champion's final hole was arguably his most impressive of the week, after he played a superb second shot into the par-five 18th with his feet in the bunker and the ball above him in the first cut.
The world No. 2 then went on to make a birdie to get his hands on his first victory in two years. As the final putt dropped, a calm and collective Schauffele celebrated with his arms in the air, before embracing with his caddie Austin Kaizer.
Green-side was his partner Maya, whose celebration was slightly less relaxed, telling The Athletic she was 'blacking out' following the achievement of her husband. Hailing Schauffele's heroics, she went on: "This means everything. Everything that he has worked hard for.
"It just goes to show that you'll see results if you put in the work. He deserves it more than anything. Why do I say that? I've seen the dedication, the work that he puts in, the hours. Even during off weeks, there's never an off week; they're constantly practicing. The grind never stops."
A week earlier Schauffele had a chance to get over the line at the Wells Fargo Championship, but eventually fell short, losing to Rory McIlroy. This apparently left a 'chip on the shoulder' of the American, something he was soon over in Kentucky. "I'm sure that chip that was on his shoulder is gone, oh, my goodness.
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Xander Schauffele of the United States celebrates after winning on the 18th green during the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
"I'm really quite emotional. I think what this means to him is that this is exactly what he's meant to do — to play golf at this level. He's doing what he loves." Schauffele was arguably the best player of his generation without a major title before his triumph last weekend, but now joins an elite list of golfers.
The 30-year-old had recorded 12 top-10 finishes on the major stage, before finally getting over the line at the PGA. Having fended his wait, Schauffele said afterwards: "It feels amazing. Just a wide range of emotions for me. Very satisfying win. I really can't wait to get back and celebrate with my team.
"Yeah, I mean, I've become very patient not knocking off any wins in the last couple years. The people closest to me know how stubborn I can be. Winning, I said it earlier, is a result. This is awesome. It's super sweet. But when I break it down, I'm really proud of how I handled certain moments on the course today, different from the past."