Owings Mills (USA), Aug 14 (AP) — Xander Schauffele is assured his place on the U.S. team for the Ryder Cup, set for the last weekend in September. Currently, his immediate focus is navigating the upcoming week's challenges.
Since his debut as a PGA Tour rookie in 2017, Schauffele—fresh off winning two majors last year—has consistently remained within the top 30 of the FedEx Cup standings as he entered the pivotal BMW Championship. Back then, he finished tied for 20th, advanced to East Lake, and subsequently clinched the Tour Championship.
In recent years, Schauffele typically had his spot in the Tour Championship locked in by now. However, this season tells a different story, with Schauffele sitting at No. 43 and at risk of missing the FedEx Cup finale for the first time.
“This is my worst position ever, injury aside,” Schauffele shared, reflecting on the impact of missing two months at the start of the year due to a rib injury. “Even as a rookie, I was in a better spot. It sort of feels like my rookie year again. I just need to work my way through the playoffs.”
He added, “You certainly play more freely once you know you're in East Lake. I’m trying to achieve that freedom because I have absolutely nothing to lose.”
The BMW Championship invariably carries high stakes. The top 30 stand a chance at claiming the FedEx Cup title, thereby securing their presence in three out of the four majors and virtually guaranteeing participation in the PGA Championship.
This year, the stakes have risen.
The BMW Championship, set to commence Thursday at Caves Valley, serves as the final tournament before the top six U.S. Ryder Cup standings players qualify for the team heading to Bethpage Black from Sept. 26-28. Schauffele's achievements last year helped secure one of these coveted slots.
Justin Thomas, currently at No. 7, has a slight chance of making it without a win or second place finish. Following next week's Tour Championship, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley will fill the team with six wild-card entries.
Thomas appears on track to be part of the team, thereby minimizing his stress. Three others, yet to experience the Ryder Cup, find themselves facing uncertain prospects—an issue which could work against them. Moreover, Bradley is contemplating selecting himself as the first playing captain in more than 60 years.
“I still have much to prove, along with everyone else on the list,” stated Bradley, positioned at No. 10 in the Ryder Cup standings and No. 12 globally.
The proving ground will be Caves Valley, hosting the BMW Championship for the second time since 2021. Patrick Cantlay triumphed in a thrilling fashion that year, showcasing a series of clutch puts that led to chants of “Patty Ice!” from the crowd, ultimately leading him to a playoff victory over Bryson DeChambeau.
Despite not securing a win this year, Cantlay sits comfortably at No. 19 in the FedEx Cup standings and is safe for the Tour Championship, though at No. 15 in the Ryder Cup standings.
The Caves Valley course has undergone significant changes, extending to 7,601 yards, with two par 5s reconstituted as par 4s. The fifth hole now measures 367 yards and is slightly downhill, yet wild ridges on the green deter players from risking a driver off the tee.
“They definitely made it significantly harder, so it should be a good challenge for us this week,” Scottie Scheffler remarked.
Scheffler currently holds the No. 1 seed in the FedEx Cup, having already secured $10 million for leading after the regular season and $5 million on account of being assured the top seed going into East Lake.
Rory McIlroy, placed at No. 2, returns to play following a hiatus since the British Open, experiencing minimal stress at Caves Valley.
For American golfers aspiring to participate in the Ryder Cup, the BMW Championship represents the first of two weeks to showcase their candidacy. Conversely, those chasing the $10 million FedEx Cup prize see the BMW Championship as their final opportunity.
“I’ve been trying hard to regain momentum,” Schauffele reflected. “This year has been about returning to good form. Still a work in progress. With a small field of 50 players, I’ve performed well before. So why not do it again?” (AP) AM AM AM.
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