In a thrilling comeback, Xander Schauffele reclaimed his spot in the winner’s circle at the Baycurrent Classic, edging out Max Greyserman in a nail-biting finish. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a year of setbacks, injuries, and self-doubt, can one victory truly mark a return to form, or is it just a fleeting moment of glory? Let’s dive in.
Written by Adam Stanley
Xander Schauffele has been a cornerstone of consistency on the PGA TOUR for the past five years, but even the brightest stars face moments of uncertainty. Earlier this year, an injury sidelined him for two months, and for the first time in his career, he missed the TOUR Championship. As 2025 drew to a close, Schauffele found himself questioning what the future held. And this is the part most people miss: even the most successful athletes grapple with self-doubt when their performance wavers.
Enter Japan, a place deeply intertwined with Schauffele’s personal and familial history. It was here, amidst familiar surroundings and the unwavering support of his team, that Schauffele rediscovered his old self. On Sunday, he clinched his 10th PGA TOUR victory with a stunning final-round 64 at the Baycurrent Classic, besting Max Greyserman by a single stroke. This win not only solidified his place as the 119th player in TOUR history to reach 10 wins but also propelled him from No. 4 to No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking. ‘I think every athlete, at some point, feels invincible and then suddenly doubts their abilities,’ Schauffele reflected. ‘But having a strong support system makes all the difference. This win is incredibly special, especially coming sooner than I expected.’
The victory wasn’t just about reclaiming his form; it was about proving to himself that he still had what it takes. ‘When I look back on 2025, I’ll remember it as a year of resilience,’ he added.
The final round was a testament to Schauffele’s grit. Despite challenging weather conditions—shifting from no wind to gusts, rain, and back again—he started strong with three birdies in his first six holes. Though he bogeyed the par-3 seventh, he quickly rebounded with a birdie on No. 8. The back nine was a tense battle with Greyserman, who kept pace until Schauffele’s four birdies ultimately sealed the deal. Greyserman’s missed opportunities, including an 11-footer on No. 15 and a 16-footer on No. 16, left the door open for Schauffele, who calmly two-putted on the 18th to secure the win.
‘It was a grind,’ Schauffele admitted. ‘The weather made it a very strange week, and I could feel the nerves creeping in. It’s been over a year since I was in contention, and I had to dig deep into my memory to pull this off.’
What makes this victory even more poignant is Schauffele’s personal life. As a new father, he admitted that this win feels different. ‘I’d do anything for my son, Victor, and I can’t wait to bring him to Japan, a place that means so much to our family,’ he shared. His grandparents, aged 91 and 81, were in attendance, cheering him on—a full-circle moment for a player who’s been visiting Japan since he was 9 years old.
But here’s the thought-provoking question: Does this win signal a full return to dominance for Schauffele, or is it a one-off triumph in a year of struggles? And how much did his recent Ryder Cup performance, where he defeated Jon Rahm in high-pressure moments, contribute to his mental rebound? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is this the start of Schauffele’s next chapter, or just a brief resurgence?
One thing’s for sure: with a trophy in hand and a heart full of gratitude, Schauffele has given himself—and his fans—another reason to love Japan and believe in his enduring legacy.
