Right on track

October 03, 2013

Xander Schauffele is back home in sunny San Diego after a recent golf trip to Brookline, Mass., where he competed amongst the top amateur golfers in the world. In order to play in the U.S. Amateur, Schauffele had to earn a top-3 finish in one of the event’s sectional qualifiers. He played at Fairbanks Ranch, where he shot an impressive 66, backed it up with a 73, and qualified. At The Country Club, Schauffele easily moved on to the match play portion, where he advanced to the Round of 16, which included a heavy dose of TV coverage for the rising star.

Schauffele had a superb summer, not only competing in the 113th U.S. Amateur Championship, but also battling it out in the 114th SCGA Amateur Championship at San Diego CC in July. On the final day of the tournament, Schauffele was paired with fellow-collegian, and University of Texas star, Beau Hossler. Schauffele was unable to top Hossler, and earned a second-place finish in the event for the second-straight year.

“It would mean a lot to me to win that championship,” said Schauffele. “There are some great names on that trophy and I would love to put my name on it right next to them. I have been so close two times and I just think it would really help my overall confidence knowing that I could close it out just one time.”

During Schauffele’s recent sophomore year at San Diego State, he earned three top-10 finishes, Mountain West Men’s Golfer of the Week and scored with a season average of 72.92. Now, Schauffele is headed into his junior year where he is currently ranked 149th among Division I Men’s golfers according to Golfstat.com. With SCGA and USGA tournament experience under his belt from this past summer, Schauffele enters his junior year with a steady mind and increased learning experiences under his belt, ready to face the next golf challenge in his path. In his second event of the year, Schauffele has already earned a top-5 finish, placing fourth at last week's William H. Tucker Invitational at the University of New Mexico Championship Course.

Get to Know Xander Schauffele

Home Club:
Bernardo Heights Country Club, San Diego Country Club (San Diego State's Home Course)

How often do you play the courses?
I play roughly 3-5 times a week based on my upcoming schedule of events.

What do you like about it?
I like the layout of both BHCC and SDCC. When I am at BHCC I find myself working on shaping tee shots and working a lot on wedge shots. When I am out at SDCC I definitely get very good work done on and around the greens.

Who do you play with?
When I play at BHCC, I will play with some friends that I have known for several years or I will wake up early and play with my father on the weekends.

When did you start playing golf?
I started playing golf when I was about nine years old. I played soccer at the same time I started to play golf but quickly fell in love with golf because of the fact that it is an individual sport.

What’s in your bag?
All TaylorMade equipment:
R1 Driver
4W RBZ stage 2
RBZ Tour Irons: PW-3i
ATV Wedges: LW, SW, GW
Golf ball: TaylorMade Lethal

Favorite professional golfer?
I really do not have a favorite golfer. I enjoy watching everyone play to see different swings, techniques and attitudes.

Studying?
Social Sciences

Most memorable college golf moment?
So far my most memorable college experience is probably losing in a playoff at Regionals. Unfortunately, my most memorable moment isn't a very positive experience but a great learning one. All the pressure that was mounted on that situation is something you can't really recreate plus I did not handle it very well and I look forward to being in that situation again in the near future.

You recently played our SCGA Amateur Championship at San Diego CC. How was it playing in your home town in front of all your family and friends?
It was an awesome experience and definitely felt the support pouring in during and after the championship. I felt like it was a huge advantage playing at SDCC because I have had several reps there so it was a bit of a disappointment to not come away with a victory.

What are your hobbies outside of golf?
Hanging with friends, music, working out

Favorite sport to watch?
Basketball and Golf