Baycurrent Classic: Schauffele breaks drought with a late flourish
American star Xander Schauffele broke a season-long drought with a triumphant return to the winner’s circle at the Baycurrent Classic in Yokohama, Japan. After enduring a challenging start to the year, highlighted by a rib injury and a shaky start following the U.S. Ryder Cup loss, Schauffele surged on the final day to clinch his first title since his Open Championship victory at Royal Troon last year.
Final round: a masterclass of consistency
Schauffele closed with a superb 64, a round that featured eight birdies and no bogeys, sealing a 19-under total. The late surge pushed him one stroke ahead of compatriot Max Greyserman, who finished on 19-under after a valiant round that included several clutch putts. It was a performance that reaffirmed Schauffele’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most, particularly after a year disrupted by injury and a busy schedule tied to the Ryder Cup cycle.
Schauffele’s perspective after the win
“It feels good, it’s nice to know I’ve still got it,” Schauffele said after collecting the trophy. “It was a rough year, but my team dragged me through it. Hopefully I’m catching my stride. It was a big learning experience with the injury this year.”
The victory was especially meaningful on a personal level. Schauffele noted the significance of winning in Japan, a country with familial ties to his mother’s side of the family. “It’s special to win here; my mother grew up in Japan, and my grandparents still live here. That connection makes this win feel that much more meaningful.”
Rivals and notable rounds
Schauffele’s win came in a field that included a strong challenge from Michael Greyserman, who briefly threatened the lead with an eagle on the fourth hole and was in contention throughout the back nine. Greyserman finished two shots behind, while young talent Michael Thorbjornsen produced an eagle of his own and settled for a solo third place at 16-under. Thorbjornsen’s round underlined the depth of this week’s field and hinted at a bright future for American golf in the post-Ryder Cup era.
Other storylines from Yokohama
Collin Morikawa, Schauffele’s Ryder Cup teammate, finished tied for 14th on 10-under, keeping faith with his rebuilding form after a challenging stretch. In a memorable round, American Matt McCarty fired 12 birdies – eight of them on the back nine – en route to an 11-under 60. His only blemish came at the final hole, denying a sub-60 round but delivering one of the most exciting rounds of the year so far. It was a reminder of the vibrant scoring conditions and competitive spirit that defined the Baycurrent Classic.
What this means for the season
For Schauffele, the Baycurrent Classic win represents a pivotal momentum shift. After a year marked by injuries and the pressures of the Ryder Cup, reclaiming this title could be the spark needed to mount a late-season charge. The victory also reinforces his status as a consistent major contender, with past successes including the PGA Championship and Open Championship forming a solid foundation for future major campaigns.
Looking ahead
As Schauffele savors this latest triumph, attention will turn to his next start and whether he can sustain the form that produced the season-defining finish at Yokohama. For fans and analysts alike, Baycurrent Classic provided a clear signal: Schauffele remains a force to be reckoned with, capable of closing out tournaments with dominant rounds even after a difficult stretch.
