Xander Schauffele Explains End of Impressive PGA Tour Cut Streak
Xander Schauffele, the two-time major champion, faced an unexpected end to his impressive streak at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego. The 32-year-old golfer entered the tournament having successfully made 72 consecutive cuts, tied for the fifth-longest streak in PGA Tour history, a feat that stretched back to the 2022 Masters.
Xander Schauffele’s Unfortunate Week at the Farmers Insurance Open
Schauffele’s performance at the event fell short, with scores of 69 and 73 on the North and South Courses at Torrey Pines, leading to an early weekend. Reflecting on his struggles, Schauffele attributed the disappointment to last-minute equipment changes.
Understanding the Equipment Changes
“I kind of had some last minute tweaks to equipment, and it really affected me throughout my bag,” Schauffele explained. He noted that he regretted not fine-tuning these adjustments in the offseason. Despite this setback, Schauffele remarked, “It is what it is. So here I am. I’ll spend this weekend cleaning it up.”
To provide context, here are the most consecutive cuts made in PGA Tour history:
| Player | Consecutive Cuts Made |
|---|---|
| Tiger Woods | 142 |
| Byron Nelson | 113 |
| Jack Nicklaus | 105 |
| Hale Irwin | 86 |
| Xander Schauffele | 72 |
| Dow Finsterwald | 72 |
| Scottie Scheffler (active) | 65 |
The Impact of Equipment on Performance
Schauffele explained the specific adjustments he made, stating, “Just some driver stuff. Driver, shaft, trying to get the combination right.” He admitted that switching gear could lead to challenges, saying, “You start swinging to fit the club, and it affects everything down the bag.”
Despite the disappointment of missing the cut, Schauffele tried to maintain a positive outlook. While addressing questions about his emotional state, he remarked, “I obviously don’t like missing cuts. But it’s actually kind of nice, to be honest, if I was going to pick a spot. I get to hang out with my family.”
He further noted that missing the cut while near his family was preferable to being alone in a hotel room elsewhere. Schauffele stated, “In the end, it’s probably the best place to miss it.”
