Xander Schauffele reveals next mission after sensational win at The Open - 'I've always wanted'
Xander Schauffele was delighted after beating Justin Rose and Billy Horschel to win The Open
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Xander Schauffele has revealed he's targeting a career grand slam after winning the second major of his career at The Open on Sunday.
The 30-year-old was outstanding throughout the competition and finished 9 under, with Justin Rose and Billy Horschel forced to settle for joint second.
Schauffele's victory came just months after he won the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
He now has two majors to his name and would love to emulate the likes of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods by achieving a career grand slam.
Xander Schauffele was delighted after beating Justin Rose and Billy Horschel to win The Open
REUTERS
Speaking after his victory, the 30-year-old said: “Before I had any majors it’s something I’ve always wanted.
“I’m one step closer and still have a long way to go. But if you don’t see yourself doing it, you’re never going to do it.
“There’s still a lot of things that I’d like to do in my career, and this is a very big leap towards that.
"The fire is still burning, maybe brighter than ever.
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"Everyone in my family knows how competitive I am. I may not be the guy running around fist pumping, but that’s just who I am.
"I kind of know how I need to be to perform at a high level.
“The same way I don’t get really angry, I also don’t let myself get too over the moon because to me it’s the same thing.
“If I’m sitting there snapping a club, that would be the same as me running around fist pumping.
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"It would take too long for me to adjust before my next shot to hit a good one.
“I’ve kind of embraced this sort of So-Cal (Southern California), laid-back kid, but there’s obviously a fire burning deep within, or you wouldn’t have a couple majors sitting by your side.”
Explaining his rise to one of the best golfers in the world, the American revealed years of hard work has started to pay off.
He paid tribute to his father, Stefan, and the role he's played in his career so far - insisting he was happy they could celebrate the win together.
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Xander Schauffele paid tribute to his father, Stefan, after winning The Open on Sunday
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“I decided to take golf seriously when I was about, I don’t know, 13 maybe," he continued.
“I sat down with my dad when I was maybe 15 and 16 and we started to really hash out some goals and dreams of what I’d like to do.
"I was on the couch with my dad a lot watching other guys win majors and win big tournaments.
“My dad and I, we’ve definitely talked about this. We’ve watched that walk up 18 pretty much every year until I’ve played in The Open.
Xander Schauffele has revealed he's targeting a career grand slam after winning the second major of his career at The Open on Sunday.
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"It’s definitely something that we’ve both dreamt of.”
Rose, meanwhile, has congratulated Schauffele on his win. Writing on social media, he said: "Congrats Xander…. A two time major champ and deservedly so.
"I felt I stood tall and gave it a good go today and all week long. I walked off the 18th hole after each round feeling I got something out of the day.
"Thanks for the support out there. Means a lot!! The dream of the jug is still alive!"