Xander Schauffele emerged as the star of the 2024 PGA Championship, achieving his first major championship victory at the Valhalla Golf Club. The 30-year-old San Diego native outperformed his opponents during the final round on Sunday, May 19, defeating competitors like Collin Morikawa, Bryson DeChambeau, and Viktor Hovland. This victory marked Schauffele’s eighth PGA Tour win and came after a 39-start winless streak on the tour. It was during his 28th appearance in a major competition that he finally secured his major championship win.
Rory McIlroy also attracted attention during the tournament after filing for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll just days before the PGA Championship commenced. The 35-year-old golfer closed out his efforts in the tournament with a score of 67. The championship was not without controversy, as Scottie Scheffler was arrested outside the Valhalla Golf Club on May 17, casting a shadow over the event. Us Weekly confirmed Scheffler was detained by the police following an incident with a pedestrian struck by a shuttle bus. Despite the unexpected global controversy, Schauffele’s victory ultimately stole the spotlight.
McIlroy’s divorce news added a personal touch to the tournament, with divorce documents stating that the marriage was “irretrievably broken” and confirming that the couple had a prenuptial agreement. The couple’s split came nearly a month after what would have been their seventh wedding anniversary, although McIlroy did not mark the occasion on social media. Scheffler’s arrest and the subsequent investigations surrounding the incident were addressed by the golfer during a press conference after the second round of the competition. He expressed bewilderment at the events of the morning of his arrest and shared the unusual experience of doing his warmup routine in a jail cell.
Despite the unexpected challenges and distractions, Xander Schauffele remained focused on his performance and ultimately emerged victorious at the 2024 PGA Championship. His win marked a significant milestone in his career, breaking the winless streak that had lingered for over a year. Schauffele’s determination and skill on the course were evident as he outperformed his competitors and secured his first major championship victory. The tournament will be remembered for both the thrilling competition on the course and the personal challenges faced by some of the players, making it a memorable event in the world of professional golf.
