OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Xander Schauffele wrapped up nine holes of the most punishing U.S. Open course and was smiling. This was on a Monday, only a practice round at Oakmont. But the image illustrates why Schauffele rarely seems to suffer at the major reputed to be the toughest test in golf.
He has finished out of the top 10 only once in his eight previous U.S. Open appearances. His highest score is a 75 in the third round at Brookline in 2022. He tied for 14th that week.
“Maybe I’m just sick and enjoy the challenge,” Schauffele said with another smile. “Something about it playing really hard. I think a good attitude goes a long way. It’s obviously easier said than done, hard to keep a good attitude through the entire stretch of 72 holes, practice rounds as well. I don’t know. I think they’re a lot of fun.”
The attitude will be tested at Oakmont, the course with rough that looks like a cabbage and greens so fast it can feel like putting in a bathtub. The Stimpmeter was developed after the inventor read about Gene Sarazen hitting a putt into a bunker at Oakmont.
Schauffele still hasn’t figured out the winning part of it, at least not at the U.S. Open. Despite his top 10s, he has yet to seriously challenge in the final hour.