Xander Schauffele Preps for Masters Amid Momentum

Golfer reveals challenges of preparing for Augusta's unique course as his game hits peak form.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Xander Schauffele is building momentum heading into the Masters, with recent strong finishes at The Players Championship and Valspar Championship. However, the 32-year-old American golfer admits that preparing for the unique challenges of Augusta National is far from straightforward, even when his game is in good shape.

Why it matters

Schauffele's recent performances suggest he is arriving at the Masters in excellent form, but the specific demands of Augusta's course mean even in-form players must make careful adjustments to their preparation. How Schauffele navigates this challenge could determine his chances of contending for the year's first major championship.

The details

Schauffele outlined a measured approach to the next few weeks, balancing rest with preparation ahead of the Masters. He acknowledged that while his game is trending in the right direction, there are "very particular things you need to work on to play well at a course like Augusta." The golfer noted the difficulty of replicating Augusta's unique features, like hills and mounds, while practicing in Florida.

  • Schauffele recorded a third-place finish at The Players Championship in recent weeks.
  • He followed that up with a tied-fourth result at the Valspar Championship.
  • Earlier this season, Schauffele also had a tied-seventh finish at the Genesis Invitational.

The players

Xander Schauffele

A 32-year-old American professional golfer who is building momentum heading into the Masters tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Just relax, probably take a few days off into next week. Then, kind of gear back up for Augusta.”

— Xander Schauffele

“I think so, yeah.”

— Xander Schauffele

“There are very particular things you need to work on to play well at a course like Augusta. Trying to get that imagination to work in Florida, there aren't too many hills and mounds to practice off of like there are in Georgia. So just kind of use your imagination to the best of your ability to get ready.”

— Xander Schauffele

What’s next

Schauffele will likely take a few days off before ramping up his preparation for the Masters tournament at Augusta National.

The takeaway

Even as Xander Schauffele's game hits peak form, the unique challenges of Augusta National mean he must carefully adjust his preparation to have the best chance of contending at the Masters. The ability to translate his strong recent play to the specific demands of Augusta's course will be key to Schauffele's chances of winning his first major championship.