PGA Championship: Xander Schauffele Offers Cigars to Past Champions

Strategic Insights -

Xander Schauffele, the reigning PGA Championship winner, will be one of 14 former champions competing in this year's edition, after he was announced in the initial field. Schauffele, who captured his first major at the 2024 PGA Championship, is set to become the 13th champion to receive a box of cigars at the event. The gesture is seen as a token of respect to the past winners, with Schauffele describing the gift as "pretty on brand." Schauffele is a self-proclaimed cigar aficionado, often celebrating major wins with a smoke.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xander Schauffele, the reigning PGA Championship winner, will offer cigars to all 13 past champions participating in this year's event.
  • Schauffele is a two-time champion, having won the title in 2014 and 2024.
  • Former champions competing in this year's edition include Brooks Koepka (2018, 2019, and 2023), Collin Morikawa (2020), and Jason Day (2015).
  • Players who have withdrawn from the competition include John Daly (1991), Rich Beem (2002), and Vijay Singh (1998 and 2004).
  • Beem will be working as a commentator for Sky Sports and on talkSPORT from Quail Hollow, North Carolina.
  • Schauffele plans to celebrate his victories with cigars, often lighting up after major wins with his father, Stefan.

Statistics:

  • 13 past champions participating in this year's PGA Championship.
  • Xander Schauffele: 2 PGA Championship wins (2014, 2024).
  • 14 former champions in the initial field announced for this year's edition.
  • Brooks Koepka: 3 PGA Championship wins (2018, 2019, 2023).
  • Collin Morikawa: 1 PGA Championship win (2020).

Sources:

  • Rory McIlroy (no date specified) - "Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele: When will next major PGA victory happen?" by [unspecified publication]
  • Jon Rahm (no date specified) - "PGA Championship 2024: Xander Schauffele's humidor and cigar gift for past champions explained" by [unspecified publication]