Xander Schauffele’s Caddie Declares He Has “The Best Job in the World”

Xander Schauffele’s recent win at the 2024 PGA Championship was the biggest moment in his career so far. This win was more than just a testament to his skill and determination. It was also a celebration of the enduring partnership with his caddie and close friend, Austin Kaiser. The pair’s journey from college teammates to PGA Tour champions is a story of friendship, trust, and mutual respect.

Xander Schauffele and Austin Kaiser first met at San Diego State University, where they were both key members of the San Diego State Aztecs golf team. Their friendship began on the college golf course and has only grown stronger over the years. This friendship has been a big part of Schauffele’s success in the pro circuit, and it led to their recent major championship win.

The 2024 PGA Championship was a big moment for Xander Schauffele. He’d been close to winning a major several times before. With Kaiser by his side, he finally got the win he was after. Kaiser was there for him, offering unwavering support and strategic insights. This win added to their impressive list of achievements, which already includes seven other PGA Tour titles and an Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Kaiser’s commitment to Xander Schauffele is evident in his words and actions. “It’s like being drafted by your favorite team growing up. You can’t get that with anyone else. I think I have the best job in the world,” Aystin Kaiser told pgatour.com. This sense of fulfillment and purpose has been a driving force behind their continued success.

The Genesis of a Remarkable Partnership

Reflecting on their friendship Austin Kaiser recalls, “We have a perfect balance of professionalism and friendship. I told him many times, I don’t think I’d work for anyone else.” This sentiment underscores the unique bond they share, one that goes beyond the typical player-caddie relationship. Their mutual respect and understanding have been pivotal in navigating the highs and lows of professional golf.

Kaiser’s dedication to Xander Schauffele is evident in his unwavering loyalty. “If Xander fired me and Tiger or any of those guys came up to me, I wouldn’t caddie for anybody else. Because I don’t have that emotional attachment,” Kaiser stated. This deep emotional connection has been a driving force behind their success, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that is rare in the competitive world of golf.

Xander Schauffele and Austin Kaiser: A Journey of Triumphs and Trials

From college teammates to PGA Champions, the journey has been full of both triumphs and challenges. After leaving university, Kaiser initially went into law enforcement. But when Xander Schauffele asked him to be his caddie, Kaiser didn’t hesitate to join him on the professional circuit. This was the start of a partnership that would lead to some great results.

One of the most memorable moments in their early career came at the AT&T Byron Nelson in 2016. After missing the cut, Kaiser found himself in a bit of a pickle. He’d indulged in a bit too much alcohol and ended up doing drunken snow angels in a cemetery. Despite this hiccup, Schauffele saw the funny side and their bond only grew stronger. This shows just how resilient and understanding they are as a pair.

They’ve won lots of tournaments together, including seven PGA Tour titles and an Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kaiser’s role in these successes is pretty much unparalleled. His strategic insights and deep understanding of Schauffele’s game have been key to their success.

“Every veteran I’ve talked to is like, ‘dude, you have something special with this kid’,” Kaiser shared. “You can just see it in his eyes. He wants it more than most kids his age.”

The Core of Their Success: Trust and Friendship

At the heart of Schauffele and Kaiser’s success is a strong sense of trust and friendship. This bond has been the foundation of their professional relationship, giving them the confidence and composure to navigate the pressures of the PGA Tour. Kaiser’s unwavering belief in Xander Schauffele’s potential has been a real source of motivation and inspiration for the young golfer.

Their time at San Diego State University was a big part of how they approached the game. As teammates, they got to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses really well, which has made them a great team on the professional circuit. Kaiser’s own achievements as a college golfer, including some great performances, have given him the knowledge and experience to guide Schauffele effectively.