Former Masters champ pinpoints what Xander Schauffele will be disappointed with in 2026

Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman believes Xander Schauffele will be disappointed with what he has produced on the PGA Tour this season.

Schauffele looked poised to claim his first victory since winning The Open at Royal Troon in 2024 after taking the lead during Sunday's final round of the Rocket Classic. 

However, he was overtaken by young star Michael Thorbjornsen, who closed with a blistering back nine to secure his maiden PGA Tour title at Detroit Golf Club. 

Despite another strong showing, the runner-up finish was Schauffele's first top-five result since the Valspar Championship in March.

The two-time major champion has remained a factor in golf's biggest events in 2026, recording top-10 finishes at the Masters and PGA Championship while also contending at the U.S. Open and The Open. 

But he never seriously challenged for victory in any of the four majors.

"I think if you asked him and he was completely honest, I think he's a little disappointed so far in what he's produced this season," Immelman told Golf on CBS.

"There have been a number of consistent performances, particularly in the majors. He's been there or thereabouts in those big tournaments.

"I thought he was going to win today, specifically when he took the lead after the great birdie on the ninth.

"You thought once he got his nose in front, he was just going to go ahead and keep his foot on the gas.

"But Thorbjornsen had other ideas. To make five birdies on the back nine, he's 10 under for his last 28 holes with no bogeys. That was such great golf to watch.

"I'm sure Xander, whilst being a little disappointed and feeling like he maybe let this one slip, will tip his cap to the youngster and say, 'Man, that was maybe a little too good.'"

Schauffele echoed that sentiment, praising Thorbjornsen's closing stretch.

"I fell short, but I played well," Schauffele said. "Mikey just played incredible. If you look at his stretch over the last 12 holes, he played incredible golf."

The world number nine added that he was encouraged by his approach during the week as he continues his search for a first win of the season.

"I wanted to come here and get a few feels in play and kind of just freewheel it with a nothing-to-lose mentality," Schauffele said.

"I felt like I spoke about that when I was a rookie on Tour. It's my 10th year and I'm trying to tap back into that. 

"I'm trying to be free and if I hit loose shots, I hit loose shots, but feel free when I'm swinging, and I think we did a pretty good job of that."

Schauffele's performance at the Rocket Classic saw him solidify his spot in the top 30 of the FedEx Cup standings ahead of the three play-off events. 

Only the top 70 in the points race will tee up at the FedEx St. Jude Championship next week, with the field trimmed to 50 for the BMW Championship. 

The top 30 players will compete at the Tour Championship. 

Schauffele is currently 11th overall. Scottie Scheffler, unsurprisingly, leads the way. 

Jackson Koivun is currently the bubble boy. 

Several big names are in danger of missing out.