Xander Schauffele clinches first major title with 'awesome' birdie

Xander Schauffele wins US PGA Championship with record-breaking performance, holding off Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland with nerveless finish.

Xander Schauffele celebrated his thrilling birdie to claim his first major title at the US PGA Championship as "hectic and awesome." The talented golfer shot a remarkable final round of 65 at Valhalla, outlasting competitors Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland in a historic performance.

Maintaining his composure, Schauffele sank a birdie on the 72nd hole to finish one shot ahead of DeChambeau at 21 under par, setting a new record for the lowest score in relation to par in major championship history. Reflecting on his victory, Schauffele admitted to feeling emotional as the winning putt dropped, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and seizing the moment.

Avoiding a playoff with DeChambeau was a relief for Schauffele, who recognized the significance of capturing his opportunity and proving himself on the big stage. Despite feeling tired and overwhelmed by emotions, Schauffele remained determined to earn his victory and deliver a strong finish.

DeChambeau, gracious in defeat, expressed pride in Schauffele's achievement and acknowledged his own solid performance throughout the tournament. Despite some lucky breaks and areas for improvement in his game, DeChambeau commended Schauffele's consistency and skill, highlighting the new major champion's talent and character.

Looking ahead, both Schauffele and DeChambeau are focused on building momentum for future majors, with DeChambeau noting the valuable experience gained from the tournament. As they reflect on their performances and look towards future challenges, both golfers are determined to continue striving for excellence and achieving success on the course.