In a nail-biting final day, American Xander Schauffele won Olympic golf in Tokyo, Japan. The American dedicated his victory to his father, Stefan, who could have been an Olympian himself. After the victory, people were also curious about Xander Schauffele‘s wife Maya Lowe.
Xander Schauffele wins Olympic gold
American Xander Schauffele has taken home the gold medal in Japan.
The 27-year-old, who plays on the PGA Tour, saw his overnight lead wiped out on Sunday.
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However, he birdied the 17th hole to win the gold medal by one stroke, finishing 18 under par.
Xander has four wins on the PGA Tour, but his best finish in a Major is T2 at both the 2018 Open Championship and the 2019 Masters.
Slovakia’s Rory Sabbatini won the silver medal and CT Pan of Chinese Taipei claimed bronze.
Who are his parents? Golfer dedicates win to his father
Xander Schauffele’s father is Stefan Schauffele, who also happens to be his swing coach.
Stefan is one of the few people in Xander’s entourage who has been allowed to join his son at the Tokyo Games.
Before golf got underway in Tokyo, Xander revealed that his father was a decathlete who was supposed to compete in the Olympics.
However, on his way to Olympic training, Stefan’s car was struck by a drunk driver, causing a multitude of injuries that included the loss of sight in his left eye.
“He was supposed to make the team, but who knows,” Xander said. “He obviously didn’t, but we can joke about that now, so far removed from the accident.”
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Afterwards, Xander dedicated the victory to his father.
“I really wanted to win for my dad, I am sure he is crying somewhere right now. I kind of wanted this one more than any other,” said Schauffele.
“You are trying to represent your country to the best of your ability and then you add family stuff on top of that. I’m probably going to have a nice call with my grandparents tonight.
“Everyone is back home watching. I was feeling the love from San Diego and Las Vegas this whole time. I’m a little speechless right now, quite honestly.”
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More on his mother and heritage
Schauffele comes from mixed heritage. His father Stefan is German and French, and his mother, Ping Yi, was born in Taiwan and raised in Japan.
Sadly, Xander’s mother was unable to travel with him to the Tokyo Games due to covid.
Furthermore, his grandparents, who still live in Tokyo, were also not allowed to come on the grounds at Kasumigaseki Golf Club.
According to to PGA.com, Stefan and Ping Yi met at San Diego’s United States International University (now Alliant) in 1988.
Who is Xander Schauffele’s wife?
Xander Schauffele’s wife is Maya Lowe, who is also his longtime partner.
The couple got married very recently in fact, having dated since 2014. They are apparently college sweethearts.
Schauffele posted a photo from his wedding in early July 2021.
The wedding party included the couple’s French bulldog, who was wearing a tuxedo.
However, the honeymoon was cut short as Xander elected to play in the Scottish Open for the first time.
“No offense to anyone here but I would not choose a place that rains so much to take my honeymoon,” Schauffele said in his pre-tournament press conference. “It’s been a long time coming. … We’ve been together for quite some time and decided to make it public. We’re very happy.”
