In a thrilling finale, Xander Schauffele emerged as the champion of the 2024 PGA Championship, lifting the Wanamaker trophy and securing his second major victory by a single stroke. The 1x major winner displayed remarkable composure on the 17th hole, saving par from a bunker, before delivering a crucial birdie on the 18th to seal his triumph.

Schauffele's win marked a significant moment in his career, ending a streak of near misses in tournaments where he came close to victory but fell short. The emotional scene of the ball rolling into the cup and Schauffele's jubilation were shared by his loved ones, who must be overjoyed with his well-deserved triumph. This year alone, the PGA Tour pro has impressively secured five top-5 finishes, excluding Valhalla, showcasing his consistent performance. His previous win came at the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open.

With Schauffele's victory, the Official World Golf Rankings underwent a reshuffling, impacting the positioning of other prominent players. Rory McIlroy, who finished T12 at the PGA Championship, unfortunately witnessed a drop in his ranking. The Northern Irishman had recently secured the No. 2 spot with his stellar performances in the Jay Monahan-led circuit, earning 10 and 12 top-10 finishes in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, Schauffele's triumph propelled him to surpass the seasoned McIlroy and claim the second spot on the OWGR, a career-best ranking for him. Additionally, Schauffele's achievement also ensured his qualification for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

The reshuffling of the World Golf Rankings holds tremendous significance for players vying to participate in the Olympics. As per the qualification criteria, the top 15 players in the rankings become automatically eligible for the event. However, there is a limit of a maximum of four athletes from each nation. In this regard, Schauffele finds himself in a favorable position, alongside Scottie Scheffler, as their considerable gap in points from the third highest-ranked American, Wyndham Clark, solidifies their eligibility for the Olympics, which commences on July 26.

Schauffele's recent finish at the PGA Championship played a crucial role in his ascent to the No. 2 spot on the OWGR, earning him an impressive 100 points. In the 2024 season alone, he has amassed a tally of 252.99264 points, culminating in a total of 384.94798 points, surpassing McIlroy's previous position. This shift in rankings poses a challenge for other American players, particularly Wyndham Clark and Patrick Cantlay, who now face intense competition for the remaining two Olympic spots.

With the Charles Schwab Challenge, the RBC Canadian Open, the Memorial Tournament Presented by Workday, and the U.S. Open still to come before the Olympics, the battle among American golfers has intensified. The U.S. Open, being a major tournament, will award the champion with 100 points. Additionally, the signature event, the Charles Schwab Challenge, promises significant points to the winner. Previous elevated tournaments awarded Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler considerable points, further heightening the stakes for Clark and Cantlay.

As the golfing world absorbs the impact of Xander Schauffele's victory at the 2024 PGA Championship, attention now turns to the upcoming tournaments that hold the key to Olympic qualification. The battle for a place in the prestigious event promises to be fierce, and fans anticipate thrilling performances as players strive to make their mark on the world stage.