Xander Schauffele's impressive streak of making the cut came to a halt at the Farmers Insurance Open, marking the end of a remarkable 72-event run. Despite this setback, Schauffele showed resilience at the Genesis Invitational, shooting an impressive 68-65 in the first two rounds at Riviera, which placed him near the top of the leaderboard.
In Pacific Palisades, California, Schauffele, a 10-time PGA Tour winner and Olympic gold medalist, missed the cut for the first time since the 2022 Masters. This break in his streak was unexpected, especially at his hometown event in La Jolla. Following this, he managed a T-41 at the WM Phoenix Open and a T-19 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am-results that some might call "mid" for a player of his caliber.
However, Schauffele quickly found his groove at Riviera. Friday's round wasn't a flawless display of flag-hunting but rather a calculated approach on one of the PGA Tour's most revered courses. Starting on the 11th hole due to a suspension from the previous day, Schauffele birdied four times, steadily climbing the leaderboard.
After a brief pause, Schauffele, alongside Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim, resumed play and continued his impressive form. He eagled the 495-yard, par-5 first hole for the second consecutive day.
Four more birdies followed, including consecutive ones on the 10th and 11th holes, pushing him to 9 under. Despite a bogey on the 15th, he rallied with a birdie on the 17th, finishing the day tied for third.
Reflecting on the day, Schauffele admitted to feeling fatigued after completing 27 holes due to Thursday's weather delay. Riviera's demanding conditions, especially after heavy rain, required unwavering focus and adaptability.
Schauffele's ability to navigate these challenges was evident as he gained over 4 strokes on the field from tee to green, hit 13 of 18 greens in regulation, and needed just 27 putts. Through 36 holes, he accumulated 175 feet of putts, a testament to his sharp putting performance.
While Schauffele's swing wasn't entirely in sync, his ability to make crucial putts and maintain momentum was a promising sign. This kind of performance, even when not feeling at his best, is what separates good weeks from exceptional ones.
Though currently ranked 13th in the world, Schauffele views it as "just a number." After a previous season that fell short of his expectations, this tournament feels like a subtle recalibration-a reminder of his capabilities rather than a comeback.
As the weekend progresses, conditions at Riviera are expected to firm up, presenting new challenges. Yet, Schauffele remains unfazed, focused solely on competing and showcasing his talent. Through 36 holes, he's once again in the mix, ready to make his mark.