In a stunning turn of events, Xander Schauffele, the celebrated golfer and two-time major champion, has prioritized family over competition, marking a pivotal moment in his life and career. The 31-year-old star recently welcomed his first child, a son named Victor, with his wife Maya, and this joyous occasion is the reason behind his withdrawal from the Procore Championship—a crucial event in preparation for the upcoming Ryder Cup.
The golf world was abuzz with speculation regarding Schauffele’s absence from the tournament, especially as ten members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team gathered for what was intended to be an essential bonding experience under the guidance of Captain Keegan Bradley. With the Ryder Cup just around the corner, beginning September 26 at the challenging Bethpage Black course in New York, the pressure was on. Yet, on the cusp of this pivotal event, Schauffele opted to stay home in Florida, savoring the early days of fatherhood instead of joining his teammates at Silverado Resort’s North Course.
There had been whispers and hints—most notably from NBC Sports commentator Kevin Kisner, who hinted at Schauffele’s wife’s pregnancy during the BMW Championship broadcast. However, the golfer kept the news under wraps until now, making his absence from the Procore Championship even more understandable. Not only did he miss the tournament, but he also skipped a team dinner at the iconic French Laundry, which highlights the camaraderie and strategy essential for the Ryder Cup.
While some may question the ramifications of his decision, Schauffele possesses arguably the best excuse imaginable for stepping back from competitive play. His last appearance was over a month ago at the BMW Championship, and with a season marked by an injury that sidelined him for two months, the stakes were already high for him. Despite having a winless season—a far cry from his triumphant previous year, which included victories at the PGA Championship and the British Open—Schauffele secured his spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team by finishing third in the points standings.
This will be Schauffele’s third consecutive appearance representing Team USA at the Ryder Cup and his sixth overall since the 2019 Presidents Cup. As he revels in the joy of new fatherhood, he aims to channel that energy into the upcoming competition. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can emerge victorious, potentially lighting up a victory cigar in celebration of reclaiming the Ryder Cup from Europe.
In a world where the pressures of sports often overshadow personal milestones, Schauffele’s choice to embrace fatherhood speaks volumes about his priorities. As he prepares for the Ryder Cup, he does so not just as a competitor but as a proud father, bringing a new perspective to the game and a fierce determination to succeed.
