Ace on Sunday fuels Schauffele’s charge in FedExCup finale
Drama Unfolds in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia – August 25, 2019
With $15 million at stake, Xander Schauffele delivered one of the most dramatic shots of the 2019 PGA Tour season—an electrifying hole-in-one during the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club. The ace, on the 240-yard par-3 9th, tied Schauffele for the lead at a critical moment and sent shockwaves through the final round of the FedExCup Playoffs.
In one swing, Schauffele injected adrenaline into the tournament, thrilled the Atlanta crowd, and positioned himself for a Sunday showdown worth millions.
A Defining Shot
The 9th hole at East Lake demanded both power and precision. With the pin tucked back-right and playing a lengthy 240 yards, Schauffele pulled a 5-iron and flushed it. The ball flew on a laser line, landed just short of the pin, and crashed into the flagstick before dropping cleanly into the cup.
The crowd exploded. Schauffele, ever composed, cracked a rare grin and raised both arms to acknowledge the roar.
“I hit it really well—right on the number—and the reaction from the fans was unreal,” Schauffele said after the round.
It was Schauffele’s second career ace on the PGA Tour and easily his most impactful.
Leaderboard Impact
The ace launched Schauffele into a tie for the lead with Rory McIlroy, who was also making a push for the title. While Schauffele’s momentum surged, it was McIlroy who ultimately pulled ahead, finishing with a final-round 66 to claim the TOUR Championship and his second FedExCup title.
Schauffele closed with a 70, securing a solo second-place finish and a multi-million-dollar payday. It capped a season of consistent excellence for the young American, who showed once again he can rise under the brightest lights.
Other Notables
While Schauffele delivered the day’s biggest highlight, McIlroy was the star of the weekend. His composed finish and aggressive approach down the stretch earned him a historic win and the $15 million FedExCup bonus.
Brooks Koepka, who entered Sunday tied for the lead, struggled off the tee and couldn’t recover, posting a 72 to finish T3. It was a rare misstep in a dominant season for the World No. 1.
What’s Next
Schauffele’s East Lake performance—and especially his ace—cements his place as one of the PGA Tour’s premier players. With the new season just weeks away, he’ll enter 2020 with momentum and major championship aspirations.
Golf fans will remember this TOUR Championship not just for McIlroy’s coronation, but also for Xander’s unforgettable hole-in-one, a reminder that in this game, one perfect shot can change everything.
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