Xander Schauffele reveals the key ingredient every Open champion needs

As he heads into his title defence, Xander Schauffele has one thing on his mind.

When Xander Schauffele lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Troon 12 months ago, he’d experienced a true test of links golf. Despite gruelling weather, the American posted an impressive bogey-free final round 65, including a 31 on the back nine, to surpass a packed leaderboard and finish two shots clear at nine-under-par.

It was the second career major title for Schauffele, and his second in three months, as he became the first player to win The Open and US PGA Championship in the same year since Rory McIlroy in 2014.

Speaking ahead of his defence at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, Schauffele reflected on his first links experience at Bandon Dunes, aged 13.

“We got the real weather. My rain gear stopped working,” he smiled. “It was that much wind and rain… As much as it was nice to look forward to a hot shower at the end of the day, I had so much fun for some reason trying to figure out how to play golf in that weather.”

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When asked if the process of learning links golf was easy, Schauffele explained that it “comes with bad weather, and when you play in bad weather, you have to have a good attitude.” His enjoyment of Bandon Dunes, despite the conditions he experienced, was a testament to that mindset at a young age.

He was clear that his positive attitude hadn’t come naturally, though, and it’s something he has had to work on over the years.

“I’ve just learned what makes me play my best golf and tried to lean on that as much as possible.”

Schauffele has also mastered the art of keeping a cool exterior. “I get fired up when I’m out there. It may not look like it, but inside, if I’m fired up, I’ll take one or two clubs less if I need.”

The two-time major champ may have felt more than a little fired up on Monday when his father and former coach, Stefan, grabbed the headlines for comments around Rory McIlroy and the Ryder Cup.

But the defending champion will need to reset his mind if he’s to become the first man since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to successfully defend the Claret Jug. The American will tee it alongside Jon Rahm and 2025 US Open Champion JJ Spaun in the first two rounds at Portrush as he looks to make a fast start and extend his incredible run of made cuts.