2022 PGA Championship: Top 10 Power Rankings at Southern Hills
Coming back from seven shots and 30 places down to start the day Sunday at the AT&T Byron Nelson was a lot to ask of Xander Schauffele. But he was hellbent on trying.
The five-time PGA Tour winner was the clubhouse leader for a couple hours at TPC Craig Ranch after closing in 11-under 61. The leaders eventually clawed back to drop him to T-5th.
Nonetheless, it was a promising result that built off his team win with Patrick Cantlay a few weeks ago at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The duo opened in a tournament-record 59 in foursomes en route to the victory.
“Just some good affirmation I’m doing right things,” Schauffele was quoted by ASAP Sports regarding what he took away from Texas. “Just positive things for the game. Seeing the ball go in the hole which is a really important thing before a major…”
Schauffele also finished T-3rd at the WM Phoenix Open and has missed just two cuts all year.
Schauffele is a stalwart in major championships despite no wins.
This gives him the blessing and curse of being one of the best players without a win in these four events.
In 19 starts, Schauffele’s played the weekend 16 times with 14 top-20s, nine top-10s, six top-5s, and two co-runner-ups.
You know that missed cut this year at the Masters gnawed at him. The former San Diego State Aztec can bounce back this week at a course that looks to set up well for him.
Schauffele’s a well-rounded player who can answer a lot of the questions Southern Hills asks. He’s 10th on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained (1.489) and is in the top 60 in every sub-category.
It’s what makes him a high basement player when selecting DFS lineups.
The 28-year-old also ranks ninth in birdie average (4.58), fourth in sand saves (69.77%), and fourth in total driving (102), which combines distance rank (32nd) and accuracy rank (70).
Could it be Schauffele’s week to break through?