XANDER SCHAUFFELE was a teenage ‘football’ sensation before turning to golf – after arguing with his coach over which position to play.
Schauffele went to his father Stefan and told him he was going to be a star on the PGA Tour.
And after adding Open glory to his USPGA Championship win in May, it looks like the X-man made the right choice.
Stefan recalled his son’s sporting dilemma as he fought back tears watching him lift the Claret jug at Royal Troon on Sunday.
Schauffele, 30, finished two shots ahead of compatriot Billy Horschel and Englishman Justin Rose.
Stefan said: “Xander was an excellent football player. His talent was surprising.
“When he was four years old, he hit half volleys, with both legs, left and right.
“I thought he was going to rescue the football team because, my God, they need help.
“But no, when he was 14, the football team he was on had promised him that he would play in attacking midfield. He had always been a sweeper until then.
“The new season arrived and the coach – my friend, a Brazilian – runs across the field and says to me: ‘Quick! You have to talk to Xander.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Xander comes trotting behind saying, ‘I just gave up. They lied to me. Now I’m going to join the PGA Tour.’
“He said it literally, he wouldn’t change his mind and, from that moment on, golf was his great passion. Now, here we are. . . ”
Stefan, who was born in Germany, always encouraged Xander to follow in his footsteps, trying out several different sports when he was growing up in San Diego.
Schauffele Sr was also a useful football player, but excelled in athletics.
As one of Germany’s best decathletes, he was aiming for a place in the 1988 Olympics.
However, his hopes were dashed when a drunk driver crashed into his car, leaving him with serious eye problems.
He underwent six operations to improve his vision, but it was still far from perfect and he knew he would have to abandon his Olympic ambitions.
Stefan, who was Xander’s first golf teacher and still works as his mental coach, made no secret of the fact that he was realizing his dreams through his son when Schauffele was selected by the USA for the postponed 2020 Olympics.
It was a special moment when Schauffele won the gold medal – and will defend his title in Paris.
Xander comes across as a somewhat stern, tunnel-vision golfer who rarely smiles – but Stefan insisted that’s not the case.
two
The proud father added: “He is very emotional. He’s not as boring as you might think.
“Jordan Spieth said this at the Ryder Cup – the fun guy in the team room is Xander.
“But on the golf course this is business. He is very disciplined in everything.
“Of course there are a lot of guys like that, but at the end of the day, it’s your talent level and health that is the determining factor.
“But if he stays fit and healthy, he could be the next guy to win all four Majors.
“He’s halfway there now and has played well in the Masters and US Open before, so there’s no reason why he can’t win them too.
“You can look at the stats and see who has the greatest potential to be the next career Grand Slammer – but he’s the one with 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 the most famous Wags in golf?
The world’s best golfers enjoy an incredible lifestyle – and their Wags lead their own exciting lives.
Here are some of the best known beauties…
- A master golfer rushed home after his latest triumph to be by his wife’s side as she gave birth to their first child.
- Playing with a handicap of three, this sports reporter could give her friend a run for her money on the greens.
- This low-key beauty married a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast who has been her husband’s rock for 14 years – he even pays tribute to her on his golf balls.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
