2020 Masters: Top 10 power rankings at Augusta National
Later on in my power rankings I’ll be giving the award of best player without a major to Jon Rahm. I argue the best American without one is Xander Schauffele.
The Californian was right in the mix at the 2019 Masters, finishing T-2nd (73-65-70-68) and just one behind a legendary performance from Tiger Woods.
“I think this situation is very unique. I’m not one bit sad,” Schauffele was transcribed by ASAP Sports. “I told my caddie on the last hole that we just proved to ourselves that we can win on this property, and you know, I started with a 73, so I was very behind the 8‑ball and clawed my way back.”
Schauffele generally comes off as more reserved, so it was cool to see that type of moxie from him. He’s entitled to it when his resume shows seven top-10s in 13 major starts.
He has two runner-ups (T-2nd, 2018 Open) and three more top-fives. This year he finished T-10th at the PGA Championship and solo fifth at the U.S. Open.
One of his “worst” major starts was T-50th in his Masters debut in 2018. His only missed cut was at the 2017 PGA Championship.
Schauffele has had a stellar 2020 despite no wins. He did post the low gross score at the Tour Championship, however. He was also solo second up at the CJ Cup last month.
The X Man is on a PGA Tour-leading streak of 11 straight top-25s going back to June.
Schauffele is as pure a ball striker as they come. He’s not quite a bomber, but at 30th in driving distance (305.4), he’s long enough. He’s more accurate than the Brysons and Finaus of the world, which helped him rank eighth on the PGA Tour in strokes gained off the tee (.648).
A tidy short game and putting are also valuable at this event. He was top 40th in both SG stats and has no weak spot in his game.
With several other names getting the attention this week, the time is ripe for Schauffele to end his win drought and break through on the big stage.