Defending Open champion Xander Schauffele says he is “looking forward” to trying to reclaim the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush this week, after enjoying the spoils of victory over the past year.
The American lifted the iconic trophy 12 months ago at Royal Troon with a superb closing round to seal his second Major title, joining the game’s elite.
“The lid, it barely opens. I had a little tequila there in Portugal,” Schauffele said with a laugh, reflecting on his year as champion. “I’ve had wine out of it, but not too much. I don’t drink a whole lot. I definitely drank more after a few championships last year.
“It’s a bummer to give up the trophy this year. Looking forward to trying to get it back.”
While he has yet to hit top form in 2025, the world No 3 showed positive signs with a top-10 finish at the Scottish Open last week – and has built a reputation as one of the most consistent performers at the Majors.
The 31-year-old has now made 14 consecutive cuts in golf’s four biggest events and added a PGA Championship title to his résumé last season.
“If I can get myself in the mix is when I think I would have an advantage,” he said. “That’s where my biggest edge would be. I can lean on experience at other points in time, but I think the most fun and the biggest advantage I would have is coming down the stretch if I can get close to that lead.”
Schauffele has only two top-10 finishes to his name in 2025 but has not missed a single cut in any professional tournament since 2022 – a testament to his remarkable consistency.
He also knows what it takes to contend at The Open, having finished runner-up behind Francesco Molinari at Carnoustie in 2018.
Schauffele will begin his title defence at 10:58am (SA time) on Thursday, alongside newly crowned US Open champion JJ Spaun and Spain’s Jon Rahm.
Photo: Kevin C Cox/Getty Images
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