Schauffele likes title chances at Augusta

AUGUSTA (AFP) — Xander Schauffele said it’s nice to lurk under the radar at the 89th Masters after struggling with a rib injury — even while he chases a third victory in four majors.

The 31-year-old American, who took his first major titles at last year’s PGA Championship and British Open, said he felt underestimated before winning majors.

“It’s sort of how people would talk about me when I was playing well,” Schauffele said.

“I haven’t been in great form but the only thing that matters is that I think I can win and my team thinks I can win, and everyone else can just talk about whatever they talk about.”

After an early season injury layoff and a battle to improve, Schauffele said he feels he can capture a green jacket this week at Augusta National.

“I don’t think I would be here if I didn’t,” Schauffele said.

“I know what I’m capable of when I’m feeling good, when I’m not thinking of anything but getting the ball in the hole. It has been a process to get back to that.”

“I don’t have a ton of reps doing it, but there’s a lot for me to draw back on, previous accomplishments to sort of let that confidence grow.”

Tokyo Olympic champion Schauffele made a breakthrough last May after 12 major top-10 finishes without a victory by winning the PGA at Valhalla and added to his major trophy haul at Royal Troon last July.

“Last year I was firing on close to all cylinders at some points,” Schauffele said.

“So there needs to be a lot of self-belief that I can get back to that spot and that’s kind of where I’m laying my head to rest.”

Third-ranked Schauffele feels more confident at formidable Augusta National playing for the first time as a major winner.

“That goes for every major I play in now,” he said.

“If I can get myself in a good spot — I’m going to fail at times — but man, I think I can deal with it a lot better than I used to be able to before winning.”

Schauffele shared 30th at the season-opening PGA tournament of champions, skipped events in his native Southern California while recovering from the injury, then shared 40th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and placed 72nd at The Players Championship.

Signs of improvement came at March’s PGA Valspar Championship, where he shared 12th and fired a season-best 66 on Sunday.

Schauffele says he feels like he has turned a corner in the past month with his recovery, as much mentally as physically.

“I’ve never really dealt with injury before, so I’ve never really been sidelined,” he said.

“I’m trying to find all the positives to attach to the situation.”