AMANDA BALIONIS: The dramatic conclusions here at Valhalla never disappoint, and this week was no exception. Welcome to the 18th green and the Wanamaker Trophy presentation. I am pleased to introduce John Lindert, the president of the PGA of America who has a couple very special presentations to make.
JOHN LINDERT: Thanks, Amanda. First and foremost, thanks to the Kentucky PGA section members for all their hard work, volunteering this week, the ownership here at Valhalla and the members here for dedicating their golf course for the last week. Thank you so much.
To all the volunteers, we couldn't have done this without your help, and to you, the fans, the turnout is spectacular. Thank you so much for being here this week. This is an amazing venue. It's an amazing fan base. Thank you so much.
To start off with, we had 21 PGA of America golf professionals qualify to be here as part of the Corebridge Financial team and one stood out above all of them. Braden Shattuck, -1 for the week, the low club professional for the 2024 PGA Championship.
[Applause.]
AMANDA BALIONIS: Congratulations, an incredible performance. It is now that time to introduce our PGA champion and hoist the Wanamaker Trophy.
JOHN LINDERT: Well, on behalf of the over 30,000 PGA professionals across the country, it is my pleasure and my honor to introduce the gentleman that beat the strongest field in golf, our 2024 PGA champion, Xander Schauffele.
[Applause.]
AMANDA BALIONIS: Xander, we always knew the ability was there. What did it take to turn that ability into a record-setting major championship-winning performance?
XANDER SCHAUFFELE: Yeah, I was actually kind of emotional after the putt lipped in. It's been a while since I've won, and I really just -- I kept saying it all week, I just need to stay in my lane. Man, was it hard to stay in my lane today, but I tried all day to just keep focus on what I'm trying to do and keep every hole ahead of me. Had some weird kind of breaks coming into the house, but it's all good now.
AMANDA BALIONIS: It's never easy. You used words this week to describe your mental state as resilient, as patient. What words would you use to describe that final stretch to get across the finish line?
XANDER SCHAUFFELE: Yeah, I mean, I think I'd probably be a little bit less of a patient person if that putt didn't lip in, but I really didn't want to go into a playoff against Bryson. I'm assuming we probably would have played 18. It would have been a lot of work. I just told myself, this is my opportunity, and just capture it.
AMANDA BALIONIS: Your family is never far away. I know having them close by and their support through wins and losses is everything to you. What is it like to have them with you celebrating in maybe the biggest moment of your career?
XANDER SCHAUFFELE: Yeah, actually my mom is back at home in San Diego and my dad is currently in Hawai'i and I was able to call him. I had to hang up pretty quickly because he started to make me cry. He was sitting on the phone bawling.
It means so much to have my wife, my brother here. I've got close friends, as well, that came down from New York. They make me feel very special, and I'm just happy to win this one for my team.
AMANDA BALIONIS: I don't think one fan has left this 18th hole, so one more time, Xander Schauffele, hoist that Wanamaker Trophy, you are forever a PGA champion.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports