OAKMONT, Pa. — Wrapping up nine grueling holes at Oakmont, Xander Schauffele, often seen smiling, showcases why he’s a formidable presence in the history of the U.S. Open, renowned as golf’s fiercest challenge. On this particular Monday, during just a practice round on the daunting course, Schauffele exemplifies his remarkable resilience. Out of his eight previous U.S. Open appearances, he’s failed to place in the top 10 only once, showcasing exceptional consistency. His highest score, a 75 during the third round at Brookline in 2022, landed him in 14th place that week.
“Perhaps I’m just a bit crazy and thrive on the challenge,” Schauffele muses, smiling once more. “Something about it playing incredibly hard. A positive attitude makes all the difference. Maintaining such an outlook over 72 holes, including practice rounds, is easier said than done but immensely gratifying,” he adds.
Facing the notoriously difficult Oakmont, where the rough resembles tangled vegetation, and the greens are akin to slippery bathtubs, Schauffele’s mental toughness is set for a rigorous examination. The Stimpmeter, interestingly, was inspired by an incident involving Gene Sarazen at this very course.
Despite his consistent performances in the past, Schauffele is yet to secure a U.S. Open victory, never truly putting himself in contention during crunch time. This year offers another opportunity for the 31-year-old Californian, who made significant strides in the previous year by winning both the PGA Championship and the British Open. Yet, he’s still regaining his rhythm following a rib injury that sidelined him for two months, stalling his season’s momentum.
“I felt I was playing at a high level before the injury,” Schauffele reflects. “Adapting to the reality of my condition compared to where I once was proved challenging. The revelation came with accepting my new circumstances,” he acknowledges. Now, the challenging Oakmont may serve as a fitting gauge of his progress.
On a relatively dry day with overcast skies promising similar weather until the weekend, both the 156 players and some alternates have gradually made their way onto the course. Justin Thomas, among others, visited Oakmont weeks earlier for a more intensive study, recognizing the exhaustive nature of practice rounds. Players laboriously strategize around the rough, plan their misses, and strive to minimize errors.
Dustin Johnson also played nine holes, marking his return to Oakmont since clinching his first major title there nine years ago. That victory came amidst uncertainty — playing the final stages clueless about a potential penalty for his ball moving on the fifth green, exemplifying enormous mental fortitude.
“The course is every bit as challenging as I remember, if not more,” reports Johnson about the changes, including a reduction in the tree lines. The USGA relishes testing not only players’ mechanical proficiency but also their mental resilience.
Jack Nicklaus, a four-time champion, shared insights on the psychological aspects, noting that complaint often signals someone’s struggle. Thomas, too, observes such patterns. “I hope it throws off many competitors,” Thomas remarks. “I know Oakmont is tough. I don’t need horror stories to know this. Yet, I trust that playing well, with accurate driving and solid iron play, will present numerous birdie opportunities.”
For Thomas, maintaining a positive attitude involves commitment to each shot, focusing more on intent rather than the outcome. “Doubting myself or not trusting my instincts leads to trouble,” he elaborates. “If I falter, it’s due to lack of commitment, not the shot itself,” he adds.
Schauffele may display a cool demeanor, but internally he wages his own battles. He’s unconvinced that visible frustration drastically affects performance, pointing to Tiger Woods’ mastery in reclaiming focus for the next shot despite fleeting anger.
“I seem composed, but inside, I might be churning,” admits Schauffele. “True positivity lies in accepting past shots and starting fresh for the next.” His attitude extends to his perception of the course: “Everyone faces the same challenges. Whether fair or not at times, managing this mentally is pivotal. Rather than dreading it, I choose to embrace it.”
Schauffele’s consistency isn’t confined to the U.S. Open alone. At Quail Hollow, he rallied to make the cut, extending his streak to 65 — the longest since Tiger Woods’ remarkable streak ended in 2005. His skill is undeniable, and with the proper mindset, he’s well-equipped for the U.S. Open’s rigorous demands.
“This mindset frames the U.S. Open challenge as a fun experience rather than a daunting ordeal,” concludes Schauffele, emphasizing resilience amidst challenges.