Making cut was victory for 2018 Masters rookie Xander Schauffele

As Masters debuts go, Xander Schauffele’s wasn’t anything to write home about.

No crystal. No trophies. Only one round under par.

But Schauffele made the cut last year, and gained some valuable insight by playing the weekend.

“First time out, weird to say, but it was nice to just make the cut, see what Saturday and Sunday at Augusta feel like,” Schauffele said. “Hearing the roars go through the trees, just seeing the Saturday and Sunday pin locations. I felt like it was a very cool experience.”

Schauffele posted rounds of 71, 78, 72 and 75 to tie for 50th.

“I didn’t feel like I was playing very well, so to muster up some courage to make the cut and play all four rounds was important for years to come,” he said.

Schauffele plans on being a regular at Augusta National.

He has two victories already this season, giving him four for his career. He won the World Golf Championships event in China earlier in the wrap-around season, then shot 62 in Hawaii to claim the Tournament of Champions.

Part of Schauffele’s success can be attributed to new Callaway clubs. At Hawaii in January, they helped him overtake 54-hole leader Gary Woodland in the final round.

“It’s what I would consider a dream start, having two wins early,” Schauffele said. “It’s something I’ve never done at any stage in my career. To do that here is awesome. Just shows we are working on the right stuff.”

Schauffele is part of golf’s famed class of 2011, which also includes Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. While Schauffele hasn’t won a major like those two, he’s had his share of success.

“I think it’s an attitude thing,” he said. “I’m more comfortable playing out here, being out here and competing out here.”

When he returns to Augusta, Schauffele will feel more comfortable having one Masters under his belt.

“The first time, you feel like you’re walking on eggshells,” he said. “You don’t want to do anything wrong. Maybe I’ll be myself and be a little more confident and comfortable than I was last year.”

With his putting skills, Schauffele is already popping up in some quarters as a player to watch at the Masters. To have success, he said he will have to get some more reps and continue to learn the course.

“I would consider myself a really good putter. I feel I’m chipping it way better than last year,” he said. “A lot of that property is knowing it and understanding it. Jordan Spieth just loves that place. I don’t know how many rounds he’s logged there, but it’s a lot more than I and a few younger guys have.”