Xander Schauffele is heading into this week's PGA Championship with a fresh perspective—and a warning for the field. After a dominant 2024 season that saw him capture two major titles, including the PGA Championship at Valhalla, the 32-year-old has been searching for that same spark in 2025. While he hasn't quite found the winner's circle yet, his consistency has been undeniable.
Now, Schauffele turns his attention to Aronimink, a course he knows well—but only from one previous outing. Back in 2018, he finished tied for third at the BMW Championship here, and that experience is already shaping his expectations for the week ahead.
Speaking to the media after his practice round on Tuesday, Schauffele didn't hold back when describing what makes Aronimink such a unique challenge. "The course is firming up nicely," he said. "The weather has held up, which is great. But those greens? They're diabolical."
At first glance, Aronimink might seem vulnerable. At 7,394 yards, it's on the shorter side for a modern major championship. But Schauffele is quick to point out that the real test lies in the putting surfaces. "The greens are the biggest protection this week," he explained. "They're going to cause problems—especially on pitch shots and two-putts. That's where the course really defends itself."
For Schauffele, who thrives on precision and short-game creativity, this setup could be a perfect fit. If the wind picks up and the rain stays away, those undulating greens will separate the contenders from the rest of the field.
As one of the favorites to lift the Wanamaker Trophy again, Schauffele knows that Aronimink won't yield easily. But with his blend of power, patience, and a sharp short game, he might just have the tools to conquer its "diabolical" greens.
