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Mark Schlabach, ESPN Senior Writer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — They can’t call Xander Schauffele the best golfer in the world without a major championship victory any longer.
The 30-year-old from San Diego captured his first major victory Sunday by outlasting LIV Golf League captain Bryson DeChambeau and Norway’s Viktor Hovland in the final round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
After starting the final round tied for the co-lead with two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, Schauffele silenced his critics who claimed he couldn’t close out a big one by posting a 6-under 65 in the final round to finish with a 72-hole total of 21 under and defeat DeChambeau by 1 shot and Hovland by 3.
Schauffele’s 72-hole scoring total was the lowest winning score in a major championship.
After DeChambeau tied Schauffele at 20 under with a birdie on his 72nd hole, Schauffele matched him in dramatic fashion.
On the par-5 18th, Schauffele’s tee shot failed to fade and stopped short of a fairway bunker, leaving him in an awkward stance. With both feet in the sand and his ball 239 yards away from the hole, Schauffele ripped a long iron. His ball stopped about 35 yards short of the green.
Chipping up the hill, Schauffele hit his ball cleanly and left it 6 feet short of the hole. He calmly made the putt and threw both arms in the air when his ball fell in the cup.
Valhalla Golf Club, known for its thrilling finishes and low scores, delivered once again. Schauffele had a 1-stroke lead with two holes to play. Shortly after his tee shot on the par-4 17th hole bounced into a fairway bunker, DeChambeau barely rolled in an 11-foot birdie putt to tie Schauffele at 20 under.
Schauffele’s approach on 17th landed right of the green. He chipped to about 2 feet and made the par putt to maintain a share of the lead.
DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open winner, carded a bogey-free 7-under 64, his lowest round in a major, to finish second at 20 under.
Holvand, the reigning FedEx Cup champion, who had struggled with his swing this season until this week, also had a chance to tie by sinking a 10-footer. But Holvand missed the birdie try and a 3-footer coming back for his first bogey in 41 holes. He finished third at 18 under.