XANDER Schauffele was a teenage soccer sensation before turning to golf – after a disagreement with his coach over which position he should play.
Schauffele reached out to his father, Stephen, and said he would like to become a PGA Tour star.
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And after adding to his Open glory with a USPGA Championship win in May, it looks like the X-Man has made the right choice.
Stephen recalled his son’s sporting dilemma as he tried to hold back tears as he watched him raise the Claret Jug at Royal Troon on Sunday.
Schauffele, 30, finished two shots ahead of fellow American Billy Horschel and England’s Justin Rose.
Stephen said: “Xander was a fantastic footballer. His talent was amazing.”
“When he was four he would hit half-volleys with both feet, left and right.
“I thought he would save the American football team because, oh my god, they need help.
“But, no, when he was 14, the football team he was in promised him he would play attacking midfield. Until then he had always been a sweeper.
“The new season came and the coach – my friend, a Brazilian guy – came running onto the field and told me, ‘Hurry up! You have to talk to Xander.’
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“Xander comes running out from the back and says, ‘I just quit. They lied to me. Now I’m going to go on the PGA Tour.’
“He literally said he wouldn’t change his mind and from that moment on golf became his great passion. Now, here we are…”
German-born Stefan always encouraged Xander to follow in his footsteps as a youth in San Diego by participating in a variety of sports.
Schöffel senior was also a useful footballer, but he also excelled at athletics.
As one of Germany’s best decathletes, his goal was to qualify for the 1988 Olympics.
Yet his hopes were dashed when a drunk driver hit his car, causing serious problems with his eyesight.
He underwent six operations to improve his vision, but his sight was still not fully restored and he knew he would have to give up his Olympic ambitions.
Stephen, who was Xander’s first golf teacher and still acts as his mental coach, made no secret of the fact that he is living his dream through his son after Schauffele was selected by the USA for the delayed 2020 Olympics.
It was a special moment when Schauffele won the gold medal — and he will defend his title in Paris.
Xander comes across as a slightly depressed, tunnel-visioned golfer who rarely smiles – but Stephen insisted that’s not the case.
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The proud dad added: “He’s very passionate. He’s not as boring as you might think.
“Jordan Spieth said it at the Ryder Cup – the funniest guy in the team room is Xander.
“But on the golf course, it’s business. He’s very disciplined in everything he does.
“Of course, there are many, but in the end, your level of talent and health is the deciding factor.
“But if he stays fit and healthy he could be the next player to win all four majors.”
“He’s halfway there now and he’s done well at the Masters and the US Open before, so there’s no reason he can’t win them as well.
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“You can look at the stats and see who’s most likely to be the next career grand slammer – but he’s the one who has the game.
“Of course, I’m a little biased. But if you look at how well he’s playing, you’ll come to the same conclusion.”
Who are golf’s most famous wags?
The world’s top golfers enjoy incredible lifestyles – and their wags lead thrilling lives, too.
Here are some of the most high-profile beauties…
- A masters golfer rushed home after his recent victory to be with his wife, who was about to give birth to their first child.
- Playing with a three handicap, the sports journalist can give tough competition to her peers.
- This down-to-earth beauty married a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast, she has been her husband’s support for 14 years – he even has a tribute to her on his golf balls.
