Xander Schauffele secured his first title since last year’s Open Championship with a one-shot victory at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan.
The American carded a final-round 64, including eight birdies, to finish on 19 under par at Yokohama Country Club, edging out compatriot Max Greyserman by a single stroke.
This was Schauffele’s first tournament since the United States’ Ryder Cup defeat to Europe at Bethpage Black in New York. The 31-year-old had been battling a rib injury earlier in the year, which had disrupted the momentum he gained following his 2024 Open victory at Royal Troon, just two months after claiming his first major at the PGA Championship.
Speaking after his win, Schauffele admitted he had doubts about whether he would lift another trophy.
“I think every player in any sport, at some point in time you feel like you’re on top of the world and then you feel like, not that you’ve lost it, but you feel less confident,” said Schauffele, who also won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.
“It was a rough year but my team dragged me through it. They pick me up when I’m down. Hopefully I’m catching my stride. It was a big learning experience with the injury this year.”
He added that the victory was particularly meaningful as it came in Japan, where his mother was raised and his grandparents still live.
Michael Thorbjornsen, who briefly held a share of the lead after an eagle at the fourth, finished third on 16 under. Schauffele’s Ryder Cup team-mate Collin Morikawa ended the tournament tied for 14th on 10 under.
The round of the day belonged to American Matt McCarty, who fired 12 birdies, including eight in a row on the back nine. His 11-under 60 was marred only by a bogey at the 18th, narrowly missing out on a rare sub-60 round.
