Defending champ Xander Schauffele pulls off a third-round 66 at Royal Portrush, reigniting his British Open hopes. He credits some of it to “luck boxing”—but don’t count him out just yet.
From “Terrible” to Terrific: Schauffele Scraps His Way Back Into the Open
Let’s just say Xander Schauffele didn’t enter Saturday with high expectations. Two mediocre rounds—71 and 69—had left the defending British Open champ floating in no man’s land. But then came Round 3, and the 31-year-old American dropped a sizzling 66, vaulting himself back into the conversation at 7-under.
So, what changed?
“Today was nice,” Schauffele said with a grin. “Yesterday felt terrible. Even with some of the shots coming in, I felt like I was luck boxing my way through the back nine, somehow making contact and then sitting it somewhere near the hole and getting it in.”
Yes, you heard it—luck boxing. Not exactly a textbook strategy, but hey, it worked.
Putting Like a Champ Again
The turnaround wasn’t just about vibes and lucky bounces. Schauffele’s putter finally woke up after a sleepy stretch this season. He sank two eagles and two birdies to claw his way back toward the top of the leaderboard.
“I’ve been putting a lot better this week than last week actually,” he said. “Tried pretty hard to figure out how to get everything correct to roll the ball well on these greens.”
For a guy who’s already bagged a PGA Championship and lifted the Claret Jug last year at Troon, it’s not a question of talent—it’s timing. And Saturday, the timing was spot on.
Rory’s Roar Fuels the Field
With Rory McIlroy making his own charge, the energy at Royal Portrush has been off the charts—and even Schauffele is here for it.
“It’s loud, it’s cool,” he said. “I’m glad he’s playing well for his home country. It’s sort of what golf needs, and entertainment’s high.”
That’s the vibe across the course: the locals are buzzing, the stakes are rising, and every shot feels like it could tilt the tournament.
Can Xander Still Win This Thing?
Let’s be real. Scottie Scheffler is playing a different sport right now. The world No. 1 is cruising at the top, and Schauffele’s still six shots back. But Xander’s not throwing in the towel—not even close.
“I’m so far back, who knows with the weather and whatnot. I believe in myself and what I can do. So just blackout hopefully. No luck boxing, blackout, there’s your headline, and try to shoot something and give myself a lot of opportunities.”
And yes, that is the headline.
Quick Recap for the Golf Nerds
- Score: 66
- Key Moves: 2 eagles, 2 birdies
- Total: 7-under, Tied for chasing pack
- Quote of the Day: “No luck boxing, blackout.”
Final Word
Xander Schauffele might be on the outside looking in, but if Sunday brings chaos—wind, nerves, missed putts—he’s got enough game and grit to make a serious run. Don’t sleep on the man with the Claret Jug in his bag and a chip on his shoulder.
Because sometimes, all it takes is a little “luck boxing”… and then a blackout.
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