2023 Genesis Scottish Open: Top 10 Power Rankings

Xander Schauffele has impressed at The Renaissance Club.

In his debut, the X Man posted 67-70-66-67 to take T-10th and finish just four off the pace at the 2021 Abrdn Scottish Open. His score increased by three shots the next year, but 72-65-66-70 was enough to win in 2022 at the Genesis Scottish Open due to tougher conditions.

Schauffele won by one over Kurt Kitayama.

X’s affinity for links golf began prior to crossing the pond a couple years ago.

"“I don’t want to insult anyone from Scotland or anyone in Ireland that knows true links but I played in Oregon when I was at 13 at Bandon Dunes at the property there where they tried to create what links golf would be in the US, did a pretty good job of it,” Schauffele was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2022. “Obviously doesn’t compare to here with the history and everything but yeah, I don’t know if it was love at first sight but I did enjoy playing with winds blowing 30 and playing the ball down closer to the ground and you know, it being okay to sort of aim 100 yards away from a bunker you can’t go in and just play from there. It’s just fun golf for me.”"

Schauffele doesn’t come to Scotland in scorching form like he did last year with a win on the PGA Tour at the Travelers Championship and an unofficial title in Ireland at the 36-hole JP McManus Pro-Am.

However, his recent form is still solid. The American has posted nine straight top-25s, including a solo second at the Wells Fargo Championship.

Schauffele ranks sixth on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained per round (1.993). He also leads in a variety of other statistics: approach proximity from 150-175 yards (23’3”), putting inside three feet (100%), and consecutive made cuts (28).

He’s gaining strokes in every SG category, including approach-the-green where Schauffele is fourth (.927).