Schauffle made a tense up-and-down for par on the 72nd hole to win the Scottish Open by a stroke on Sunday, earning a double dose of Open Championship preparation.
The American, who won the Travelers Championship last month, closed with a 4-under 67 at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick to finish on 12-under 272, one ahead of England’s Tyrrell Hatton.
Schauffle, who missed the cut at last week’s Irish Open, said his victory would give him a big boost ahead of the year’s third major starting on Thursday at Royal St George’s in Sandwich, England.
Schauffle’s Scottish Open Victory
Schauffle began the final round two strokes behind overnight leader Dean Burmester of South Africa but made four birdies in the first six holes to move two clear.
He then bogeyed the par-5 seventh and par-3 eighth holes, before bouncing back with a birdie on the par-5 ninth to reach the turn in 33.
Schauffle picked up another shot on the 12th but dropped one on the 15th, where he three-putted.
He found the greenside bunker on the par-3 17th but managed to get up and down to save par, leaving him needing to par the last to win.
Schauffle hit a superb drive on the 18th and then found the green with his approach, leaving himself a 25-foot putt for victory.
The 28-year-old two-time PGA Tour winner calmly holed the putt to secure his fourth professional title.
Schauffle’s Thoughts on His Victory
Obviously the emotions are going to be running high but this is why we play this game, to play in these moments, Schauffle said.
To be able to experience this and get the win is unreal.
He added: I’m definitely going to take a lot of confidence going into next week. It definitely helps mentally knowing that I’m able to do it.
Hatton’s Impressive Performance
Hatton, who won the Scottish Open in 2021, carded a 68 to finish on 11 under.
The Englishman birdied the second, fourth, eighth, and 12th holes but dropped shots on the sixth, 11th, and 17th.
Despite the runner-up finish, Hatton was pleased with his performance and is also looking forward to the Open.
I’m playing well, Hatton said. I’ve been playing well for a while now.
I’m just happy to be playing good golf and putting myself in contention.
Other Notable Performances
Burmester finished in a tie for third place on 9 under after a closing 70, while American Kurt Kitayama was fourth on 8 under after a 67.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Italy’s Francesco Molinari were among those tied for fifth on 7 under.
Kind regards A. Fleming.
