Gheorghe will explain the radically changed Presidential election landscape in a future post, but in an effort to bide some time and avoid having to think, we'll kick the week off with a brief look back at Xander Schauffele's win at Royal Troon. And Gheorghe will explain the hidden advantage the 30 year-old American had on Sunday.
If you watched the final round, you might've caught a few candid moments between Schauffele and his caddie, Austin Kaiser. The two have been friends since they played together on the San Diego State University golf team. Schauffele has been vocal about the importance of their teamwork to his success. Check out this moment from the walk down 18 after Schauffele hit his iron onto the green and the duo knew they'd won - Kaiser goes about doing his job, giving his pro his putter and replacing a divot, while the pro waits for him so they can walk together and receive the adulation of the crowd.
Classy! pic.twitter.com/pENYKlhBVw
— Oma Golf (@oma_golf) July 21, 2024
Which brings me to the advantage I think Kaiser offers Schauffele. At several key moments on the back nine, as Schauffele hit one clutch shot after another, the two could be seen laughing with one another. I don't think it's a stretch to suggest that the comfort the pro feels with his friend and caddie is a real and significant boost to his confidence and mental strength. Now that Schauffele has won a couple of majors after falling short several times, it says here there will be several more over the next few years.
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