Xander Schauffele's Hysterical Reaction to Using YouTube for US Open Prep

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Xander Schauffele is not a big fan of YouTube golf. During his pre-US Open press conference, the two-time major champion made this perfectly clear yet surprised many with his response to the possibility of becoming a content creator himself.
"Is that like a serious question?" he said when asked if he saw himself emulating colleagues like Bryson DeChambeau, who are both YouTubers and pro golf stars.
Xander Schauffele of the United States speaks to the media during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 09, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Xander Schauffele of the United States speaks to the media during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 09, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.It's worth noting that Schauffele was open about using YouTube videos at some points in his career, including his preparation for Oakmont, a course he has not played professionally.
"I watched some of the '16 coverage on YouTube," he said.
"I would have watched it on any platform that would have been provided, but I watched some of that coverage there just to see sort of how guys were hitting shots and how the ball was reacting."
However, he also assured that YouTube golf is no longer part of his day-to-day preparation.
"It [YouTube golf] can be helpful. I've been in dark places where I've looked up swing tip things on YouTube as well, trying to make sense of it, just like every golfer has," he said before changing his tune.
"I'll confess to it. I'm luckily not there anymore, which is probably healthy for myself and my family [laughter]. Yeah, there's a lot on there, I can tell you that much."
Note to all you YouTube golf fans... Don't expect Xander Schauffele to start a channel anytime soon.
"Is that like a serious question?" pic.twitter.com/Nn0146y4HH — Paul Hodowanic (@PaulHodowanic) June 9, 2025
Several professional stars don't share Schauffele's views and have embraced YouTube golf with true passion. One of the best examples is DeChambeau, a two-time major winner who already has more than two million subscribers on his channel.
Others with active YouTube presence include legendary players Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington.
Fleetwood just joined the fray, and in less than six weeks since creating his channel, he has amassed more than 17,000 subscribers. His only posted video received over 100,000 views in 24 hours.
These pros join an enormous squad of golf influencers who receive significant attention on YouTube and other social media platforms. Paige Spiranac, Grant Horvat, and Rick Shiels are a few examples of these content creators' reach.
In fact, professional tours have sought ways to extend their influence to digital platforms.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf have launched influencer tournaments, the Creators Classic and The Duels, respectively, while the DP World Tour and LPGA Tour put especial efforts in generating their own content, especially for YouTube.
YouTube golf has a strong entertainment component, as influencers take on challenges and play with celebrities, including golf stars. However, you can also find countless instructional videos on a wide variety of aspects of the sport.
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