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“It’s Just 4 Feet” – The Pressure of Being an Olympian
As an Olympian, it can’t be easy to feel the weight of your country’s pride on your shoulders, coupled with the pressure of millions of people watching as you compete against the world’s top athletes.
Xander Schauffele knows a little something about pressure on Sunday as he found himself a mere four feet away from his first gold medal. There is no doubt his heart was pounding, and his mind preoccupied with what-if scenarios as he lined up the biggest putt of his career.
A Great Golfer, But Questions Remain
At 27 years old, Schauffele has accomplished so much in is time on the PGA Tour. While he has yet to win any majors, he remains among the top five golfers in the world. Winning himself four titles on tour and consistently finishing in the top 10, it is no wonder Schauffele was selected to be on Team USA. It hasn’t all been great news, however. With over two years since his last victory, the golfer didn’t arrive in Tokyo as a sure bet.
These are the thoughts that can blow a big moment. The ones that make you doubt yourself, even for just a second, and are enough to make even the strongest of competitors feel the heat.
A Positive Attitude
Of course, with only 48 inches standing between you and an Olympic gold medal, one can’t help but think of just how sweet victory will be.
“I think it’s okay for your thoughts to sort of venture into the future, that’s sort of what our brain does, unfortunately,” Schauffele recalled. “I can’t get my heart to stop beating even if I tried my best … So I was just thinking about what if I make this putt and all these things. I tip my head down, I closed my eyes and I just tried to really become more present and just focus on the 4-footer.”
Schauffele made draining the putt seem effortless. After all, this season he has been successful over 97% on his putts up to 5 feet. In speaking with reporters, he admitted his confidence had been lacking leading up to the competition.
From the dream of his father, to a gold-medal reality – @XSchauffele is an Olympic Champion. ?@TeamUSA // #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/S3vxzIrZNE
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) August 1, 2021
“I haven’t won anything in quite some time, that bothered me and my team, they know more than anyone else I’ve been knocking on the door a lot,” admitted Schauffele. “You kind of get that taste of winning and then it kind of gets swiped from you and you’re a little bit sour, even if you’re playing really good golf. So for me it was this was a really big point for me in my career I guess to sort of have a lead and be able to sort of cap it off. I haven’t done that before.”
We must admit that we weren’t sure Schauffele could hold up under pressure as we’ve seen him lose his focus before. Even he couldn’t deny he’s struggled under similar circumstances. “I felt like for the most part of the day I stayed very calm. I usually look very calm but there’s something terrible happening inside at time,” said Xander. “So I was able to learn on those moments where I’ve lost coming down the stretch, where I hit a bad shot or a bad wedge or a bad putt and sort of lose my cool.”
For a moment, history seemed to be repeating itself. On the final hole and leading by just one shot, Xander had a wayward shot off the tee that struck a spectator. The golfer managed to overcome the error and hit his wedge solid, lining him up perfectly for the short putt in. “Man, it was stressful,” he said of the final moment. As he watched his putt drop, Schauffele felt as though “a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”
Biggest Moment of His Career
We can’t imagine there is anything quite like being a gold medalist. Schauffele is the first to grab the top spot for Team USA in golf since the year 1900.
“It really is a special deal, standing on the podium with these two boys, with our flags being raised,” Schaufelle reminisced. “I think people talk about why the Olympics are such a special thing to them and we’re fortunate enough to be a part of a ceremony, and I think we can all see why people say that. I think we’re all very happy to be here right now.”
Spanning over half a century, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has undergone changes in latitude as well as attitude. But the core of the tournament remains not only the exceptional golf by the world’s best players, but also the lore surrounding each yearly winter extravaganza.
Wyndham Clark made history at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Tied for 23rd heading into Saturday’s third round, he ended the day in first place with a 12-under 60, setting the course record for the lowest score ever at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
In 2017, Justin Rose & Justin Timberlake collaborated on one of the most unique moments in AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am history. While JR took a selfie, JT nearly made an ace on the iconic par-3 7th ultimately leading to a tap-in birdie.
Always a fan favorite and one of the best entertainers Pebble Beach has ever seen, check out Bill Murray’s best shots and funniest moments from his career at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Signature moments from the five U.S. Opens that were held at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, site of the 2019 championship.
Perhaps remembered best for a hole out at the par-4 15th hole, Tiger Woods came back from a 5-shot deficit to move past 54-hole co-leaders Mark Brooks and Matt Gogel and claim victory at the 2000 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Iconic courses, iconic golfers. See you at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, returning for its second year as a PGA TOUR Signature Event.
The 2025 LIV Golf season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the league’s short but impactful history. With its disruptive approach to the sport, LIV Golf continues to challenge traditions and generate buzz. Here are the most compelling storylines to follow as the season unfolds:
1. New Players, Fresh Rivalries
One of the most exciting aspects of this season is the arrival of new talent. LIV Golf has successfully attracted top-ranked players from the PGA Tour, thanks to its lucrative contracts and innovative format. The clash of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers promises to create intense rivalries. Will the newcomers shake up the established order, or will the veterans defend their turf?
2. Team Dynamics in Focus
LIV Golf’s unique team-based format continues to set it apart from traditional golf tours. Teams like Crushers GC, Fireballs GC, and 4Aces GC have cultivated strong fan followings. This season, roster changes and new strategies could shift the balance of power. How will captains adapt their leadership styles to foster team cohesion and success? And which team will dominate the standings?
3. The Battle for Global Expansion
LIV Golf has emphasized its commitment to expanding the sport globally, with events scheduled in emerging golf markets like India, South Korea, and Brazil. These new venues not only offer fresh challenges for players but also present opportunities to engage with diverse fanbases. Will LIV’s global push solidify its status as a truly international tour?
4. Technology and Fan Engagement
One hallmark of LIV Golf is its embrace of technology to enhance fan experiences. This season, expect to see advancements in augmented reality, interactive broadcasts, and player mic-ups. These innovations aim to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Will these efforts further distinguish LIV Golf as the most fan-friendly tour?
5. The PGA Tour Rivalry
The tension between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour remains a defining narrative. With both organizations vying for the loyalty of players and fans, the stakes have never been higher. High-profile defections and joint-event rumors keep fueling speculation. Could 2025 be the year where cooperation begins to overshadow conflict, or will the rivalry escalate further?
6. Defending Champions and Underdog Stories
Every sports season needs its heroes and Cinderella stories, and LIV Golf is no exception. Last season’s champions return to defend their titles, but a host of underdogs are poised to challenge their reign. The unpredictability of golf means that anyone could have their breakout moment. Which players will rise to the occasion and capture the spotlight?
7. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Amid growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, LIV Golf has pledged to make its tournaments more environmentally friendly. This includes reducing carbon footprints, promoting renewable energy, and supporting local communities at host venues. Will these efforts resonate with fans and set a new standard for the sport?
8. The Legacy Question
As LIV Golf grows, questions about its long-term impact on the sport persist. Critics argue that it’s diluting tradition, while supporters believe it’s revolutionizing golf for a new generation. How will this season shape the league’s legacy? Will LIV Golf prove its staying power or face challenges that threaten its future?
With a mix of drama, innovation, and high-stakes competition, the 2025 LIV Golf season is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a fan of the league’s modern twist, there’s no denying that LIV Golf is making waves and keeping the world of golf on edge.
During the 2025 American Express, PGA Tour rookie William Mouw found himself in a deep, 20-foot bunker on the par-5 16th hole—famously known as the “San Andreas Fault” for its ability to frustrate even seasoned pros.
Mouw’s shots went from bad to worse: after escaping the bunker twice, he’d end up back in it. After an epic 13 strokes, he followed up with a triple bogey on the 17th.
Despite a 5-under 67 in the next round, he missed the cut by 9 shots.
The lesson is to remain resilient despite setbacks. The 16th hole demonstrated how quickly things can go sideways, but his ability to shake off the octuple bogey and finish the weekend strong with a 67 shows that recovery and perseverance are key. Golf is unpredictable, but staying positive and focused on the next shot is crucial. Mouw’s resilience in the face of adversity can be an important learning experience as he moves forward in his career.
Golf: always full of surprises!
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