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Why Xander Schauffele is the US Open dark horse, he has a record only Jack Nicklaus and Sam Snead match

Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
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As the US Open nears, all eyes are naturally drawn to world number one Scottie Scheffler. But lurking quietly in the shadows is Xander Schauffele, whose consistency in this event deserves closer attention.

Scheffler enters the week off wins at both The Memorial and the PGA Championship, making him the clear favourite in the eyes of many. But the US Open is never straightforward, and a deep field means others will back themselves to step up.

Schauffele, ranked third in the world, has every reason to be optimistic given his remarkable track record in this major.

the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 - Round Three
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Few players in history can match Schauffele’s consistency at this championship. In fact, only Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus have had similar stretches of success in terms of regular top finishes.

What to expect at Oakmont from Xander Schauffele

Tackling the US Open setup is never easy, and this year’s challenge at Oakmont looks brutal as ever. The greens are expected to be lightning fast, and the rough unforgiving.

But Schauffele, no stranger to the demands of this major, has shown he can navigate these conditions better than most. His blend of patience and composure, along with a proven ability to grind out rounds, should serve him well once again.

It’s also worth remembering that golf is as much mental as it is physical. Schauffele’s deep experience and confidence in this event could prove decisive in the end.

This season hasn’t yet delivered the heights Schauffele achieved in 2024, when he won two majors. But with his game rounding into form and an unmatched record of consistency, he remains a serious contender at a venue where staying power counts for everything.

the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 - Final Round
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Schauffele’s US Open record

You don’t stay among the world’s elite by accident, and Schauffele’s consistent results at the US Open speak volumes.

YearVenueScorecardTo ParFinish
2017Erin Hills66–73–70–69 = 278–10T5
2018Shinnecock Hills72–74–72–68 = 286+6T6
2019Pebble Beach66–73–71–67 = 277–7T3
2020Winged Foot68–72–70–74 = 284+45
2021Torrey Pines (South Course)72–69–70–72 = 283–1T7
2022The Country Club70–69–75–68 = 282+2T14
2023Los Angeles Country Club (North Course)62–70–73–72 = 277–3T10
2024Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2)70–69–72–68 = 279–1T7

His worst finish is a tie for 14th in 2022, and he’s been inside the top 10 in three of the last four editions. In fact, he placed in the top six for each of his first three appearances.

If he can lean into that track record, Schauffele could easily find himself back in the mix again this weekend — and that’s exactly where he thrives.