Xander Schauffele has plan to stop Rory McIlroy | Golf News

Xander Schauffele has tipped Rory McIlroy for a main profitable streak following his historic Masters victory, which accomplished his profession Grand Slam.

The 35-year-old joined an elite group because the sixth golfer to win all 4 majors after triumphing over Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta. With the PGA Championship on the horizon at Quail Hollow subsequent month, McIlroy is poised to chase his sixth main title.

Schauffele, who holds the present PGA Championship and in addition claimed the Open in 2024, is simply two majors shy of his own Grand Slam. Speaking to BBC Sport, Schauffele expressed his perception that McIlroy’s latest success might signal the beginning of a dominant period: “He is a generational talent and to do what he did is incredible for the game of golf,” mentioned Schauffele.

“If that was something that was holding him back and now he feels free, that could be a pretty scary thing. He has all the tools. I’ve played against him when he’s firing on all cylinders and it’s not fun for me.

“It’s enjoyable for everybody else to watch nevertheless it’s laborious to beat. Would I be stunned if he began rattling (more majors) off? No. Am I going to be there to try to stop him? Absolutely.”

McIlroy will also aim to clinch his second Open later this summer, potentially on home turf at Royal Portrush. Schauffele is looking to leverage the spotlight on McIlroy to his own advantage at The Open.

“If I can cruise alongside and fly beneath the radar, that is precisely what I’ll do,” Schauffele added, who also hopes the weather will be less than perfect for his Open defense.

“I’m from San Diego the place [the wind] blows a blistering three miles an hour,” said Schauffele. “When I feel of Open Championship golf, I do not suppose of it being sunny. I feel of people carrying beanies hunkering down, attempting all the pieces they’ll with their caddie to overcome that struggle that you simply’re at with the golf course.

“It’s such a validating and rewarding feeling to do it. I’ve got no problem if it’s bad weather.”