2x major champion Xander Schauffele labels himself as “an idiot” following meltdown at Zozo Championship

Instead of taking a safe option, Xander Schauffele twice tried to recover an unplayable shot which resulted in him firing a quadruple bogey.

2x major champion Xander Schauffele labels himself as “an idiot” following meltdown at Zozo Championship

Xander Schauffele (Image via PGA Tour)

Even the top players can have a bad day. Two-time major champion Xander Scahuffele had a tough day during the first round of the Zozo Championship in Japan.

The World No. 2 fired eight straight pars to start his day. However, things got dicey when his tee shot on the par-4 ninth hole found itself in an unplayable position at the base of a tree.

YouTube video

Instead of choosing the option to call the ball unplayable, Schauffele attempted to hook his ball out. Unfortunately, he was unable to execute the plan in his mind and twice failed to move away from the trunk of the tree. After this, he would finally take the unplayable option.

FS Video

Following the round, the 30-year-old laughed it off but labeled himself as “an idiot” for trying to recover his shot from an unplayable spot.

Overall it was pretty low stress for the most part of the day. Like 85 per cent of the day was not very stressful. Number nine just, it was an incredible spot. I wanted to take a photo of it almost, how bad it was. For me to think I can do anything definitely got me in a hole there. I should have just taken an unplayable, but I was an idiot and tried to hit it.

Xander Schauffele said in the post round interview (via PGA Tour)
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Xander Schauffele reveals what he needs to do to win PGA Tour POTY in 2025

Winning a major championship in golf is considered a huge feat. Winning two majors in the same year is something even more glorious. This was something Xander Schauffele achieved after taking home the PGA Championship and the Open Championship in 2024.

Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele (Image via Golf Magazine)

However, this might not be enough for him to win the PGA Tour POTY award this year. Before this season, a total of ten golfers had won two majors in a year. In all ten of this season, the golfers would go on to win the PGA Tour POTY award.

Schauffele might make history for the wrong reason as it is likely that Scottie Scheffler will claim the prize again. He claimed seven wins this year including The Masters. On top of that, he also grabbed the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Due to this, Schauffele thinks he needs to have the “best career ever” to have a chance at this prestigious award in 2025.

I mean, it seems I need to have the best career [year] ever. I just had my best career [year] ever and wasn’t really close. I’m pretty content with how I played and where my game is at. If I can keep on doing what I’m doing, I’d be very pleased.

Xander Schauffele said in a press conference
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For now, Schauffele will be looking to rise in the Zozo Championship rankings after an eventful day at the Narashino Country Club. He will once again tee off with Rickie Fowler and Min Woo Lee on Friday in this no-cut event.