Scottish Open star who snubbed LIV Golf millions continues remarkable streak

Xander Schauffele’s incredible run of making tournament cuts has continued despite a scare at the Scottish Open. With nine holes of his second round remaining, the 2024 US PGA champion sat just one shot off the projected cutline at the Renaissance Club, but three birdies on the homeward stretch saw him comfortably make the weekend.

He’ll tee off on Saturday at six under par, just six shots off leader Ludvig Aberg and still within striking distance of the Swede.

It also means that Schauffele, 30, has now not missed the cut at any golf event since April 2022, a record that now extends to 27 months.

Inevitably, the American has already been heavily targeted by LIV Golf. The Saudi backed venture struck a huge blow to the status quo ahead of the current season with the addition of Jon Rahm, with current world No.2 Schauffele also strongly linked with a move.

Speculation ramped up after he captured his maiden major title in Kentucky in May, courtesy of a dramatic birdie on the 72nd hole. That gave him exemption into the PGA Championship for the remainder of his career, as well as a place at the other three major events for the next five years.

It removed the drawback that many golfers have suffered since moving to LIV, where tournaments are not recognised by the Official Golf World Rankings. Those without past wins to their name have therefore missed out on major championships, and have been forced to go through qualifying tournaments.

Back in May, Schauffele’s father Stefan told Golf.com his son had no interest in defecting from the PGA Tour, irrespective of the money on offer. “No chance. Xander is not chasing the money,” he said. “Xander is about legacy. And as my opinion, just as his father, there was never a chance.”

Schauffele Snr has been an ever-present during his son’s professional career, and still serves as his swing coach. And he also revealed the pair has held talks with LIV bosses, firmly rejecting their advances.

“What we told LIV in Saudi Arabia, with Xander beside me, was that if there is no path back to the PGA Tour and if there is no chance at World Ranking points we do not have anything to talk about,” he added. “Even if you throw hundreds of millions of dollars at him. That word still stands.”

Schaeuffele, who also won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will be among the favourites for the Open Championship at Royal Troon next week. His best effort at the tournament came back in 2018, when he finished tied for second and just two shots off winner Francesco Molinari.

But much of the current focus in Scotland has been on Rory McIlroy, as opposed to his rival’s continuation of his amazing streak. In his first tournament since his US Open heartbreak, the Northern Irishman lies on nine under par, just three off the lead.