Even blindfolded, Xander Schauffele is still a way better golfer than you

By: Nick Dimengo February 1, 2023

Xander Schauffele prepares to play a par-3 in the dark.

Hyland

Xander Schauele is a seven-time PGA Tour winner. He finished in the top 10 in all four major tournaments. At 29, he has firmly established himself among the game’s elite.

But can he play golf… blindfolded?

At the request of one of his sponsors, Hyland, Schaufelle found out while playing a par-3 while wearing a sleep mask.

Hyland X Vision Challenge rules: First, Schaufelle would play the hole blindfolded and unaided. Then he would try again always in the dark but with the guidance of his caddy, Austin, and his father Stefan (who is also his swing coach).

As the video below shows, the struggle was real for Schaufelle on his first attempt without any help.

First tee shot: out of bounds. Second tee shot: bunker. Next move: bunker again. When he finally got to the green, Schaufelle looked like a 25 handicapper, racing his putts past the hole with little contact. He finally rolled a 9.

But then came the second experience: playing the hole with help.

Listening intently to both his caddy and his coach/father, Schauffele approached the tee and… nearly broke through, sticking his tee shot less than 6 feet from the pin.

While Schauffele could tell by the reactions that the hit was close, he shared his disappointment at the tee box, saying, “I’m not going to lie, it kinda sucks. I couldn’t see anything.

Walking to the green, Schauffele shared his thoughts on what made his assisted attempt so much more successful: “Well, I knew where I was aiming, and I knew my clubface was good and I was set up correctly. . Most likely [hit it] better than open eyes, as we are normally not allowed to check where we are aiming.

No surprise, Schauffele also emptied his birdie putt.

Amazing what you can accomplish with a little help from your friends.