YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Xander Schauffele secured another significant victory in Japan, this time a PGA Tour trophy rather than Olympic gold, concluding a challenging year characterized by physical setbacks and periods of uncertainty.
Schauffele achieved a birdie on the 17th hole this Sunday, finishing with a score of 7-under 64 to fend off Max Greyserman and triumph at the Baycurrent Classic. This win punctuates a season marked by a two-month absence due to a rib injury and the unprecedented failure to qualify for the Tour Championship.
“This feels incredibly special — happening sooner than I anticipated, to be honest,” Schauffele remarked. “I felt like I was starting to run out of opportunities in 2025 to really make my presence felt. I’m confident that, looking back at 2025 later in my career, I’ll appreciate it as a truly remarkable year.”
Off the course, 2025 was a year of great joy as his wife welcomed their first child, Victor, in late August. However, the journey to recover his form was arduous after the two-month hiatus early in the year, especially following a season where he clinched victories at the PGA Championship and the British Open.
Winning in Japan held particular significance, considering the upbringing of his mother and mother-in-law in the country.
Schauffele concluded the tournament at 19-under 265 at Yokohama Country Club, securing a one-stroke lead over American Max Greyserman. Greyserman, also the runner-up at the previous year’s event, is still pursuing his inaugural PGA Tour title.
Greyserman (65) found himself two strokes behind when Schauffele birdied the 17th. In a desperate attempt to force a tie, Greyserman’s 190-yard shot with a 7-iron landed mere inches from the cup, resulting in an easy birdie.
Schauffele’s most prominent victory in Japan was the Olympic gold medal in 2021, although the event was held without spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions.
His maternal grandparents reside in Japan. His mother was born in Taiwan and raised in Japan. His wife’s mother spent her formative years on Okinawa, a southern island of Japan.
“I’ve been visiting Japan to see my grandparents since I was around 9 years old,” Schauffele recalled. “I developed a fondness for this country a long time ago. I’m eager to bring my son here when he’s old enough to understand and appreciate Japanese culture.”
“Indeed, the ties between the Schauffele family and Japan are deeply rooted,” he added.
Schauffele and his wife, Maya, became parents just over six weeks ago.
“It’s all still pretty new, but being a dad is definitely an incredible experience, and I’m excited to return home to him and Maya after this,” Schauffele shared.
Throughout the tournament, Schauffele received enthusiastic support from attending family members, including his 81-year-old grandmother who accompanied him on the course. He mentioned plans for a celebratory gathering with family members later.
“I don’t get to see them very often, and they’ve always been kind enough to come out to support me wherever the event takes place,” he said. “They’ve been wonderful to me, and this is a very special moment. I’ve been wanting to share a victory with them, so I’m looking forward to spending time with them.”
Greyserman either held or shared the lead through the initial three rounds. Michael Thorbjornsen concluded with a 64, finishing three strokes behind the champion.
Gentle conditions and minimal wind resulted in remarkable low scores. American Matt McCarty recorded an 11-under 60 — despite losing a tee shot on his final hole — and still ended up nine strokes behind. Japanese golfer Takumi Kanaya completed the event with a 9-under 62, finishing five strokes behind the winner.
McCarty had an opportunity to score a 58 but hit his ball into the trees on the final hole, settling for a bogey and a 60. Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record with a 58 in the final round of the Travelers Championship in 2016.
