The stage is set for a thrilling Masters Tournament, and the narrative has shifted. With top contenders Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy searching for their best form, the door to the Champions Locker Room is wide open for a new star to seize the moment and claim the iconic Green Jacket.
This creates a fascinating dynamic. On one side, LIV Golf stars like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are riding high, having dominated their recent events. On the other, PGA Tour talents such as Cam Young and Matt Fitzpatrick are peaking at the perfect time, hungry for a breakthrough major victory.
Amidst this crowded field of contenders, Golf Channel analyst and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has identified a player he believes is flying perfectly under the radar: Xander Schauffele. McGinley is backing the two-time major champion to secure his first Masters win this week, a victory that would put him just one major away from the coveted Career Grand Slam.
Schauffele’s 2024 season has been a masterclass in consistency, marked by everything except a trophy. Following his win at the end of last season, he has been in the mix at premier events like The Players Championship, showcasing the steady, high-level play that thrives at Augusta National.
McGinley points to a compelling resurgence in Schauffele's game. "It’s all there. He’s my pick," McGinley stated. "All week long, I’ve been watching him. He’s under the radar. Nobody is talking about him. This guy’s finding form."
The analyst highlighted Schauffele's impressive rebound from a quieter period last year, noting his pivotal role as the top point scorer for the U.S. Ryder Cup team and his subsequent victory in Japan. "He’s come out this year, a little bit quiet to start out, but he’s now taken off in the last few weeks. His record around here is simply superb."
Perhaps most importantly, McGinley emphasized the psychological edge Schauffele now possesses. Having broken through with two major victories, he has conquered the mental hurdle of closing out golf's biggest tournaments. "When he figured it out he went boom, boom, he won two majors in a row... If he gets in a battle on the last nine on Sunday he knows he’s done it in major championships. Big psychologically."
With proven major championship pedigree, current form, and a history of strong play at Augusta, all signs point to a monumental week for Xander Schauffele. As McGinley succinctly put it, "It’s all lined up. It’s trending for a really big week from Xander."