Xander Schauffele put on a final-round show in the Baycurrent Classic in Japan. He capped off Sunday with a magical 7-under 64. He clinched the championship crown at the Yokohama Country Club by a whopping 19-under 265 aggregate score. It proved to be an incredible performance over four rounds of exhilarating golf. Schauffele’s victory came by just one stroke over Max Greyserman. This landmark victory only strengthens his legacy as one of the game of golf’s elite performers.
The victory is particularly meaningful for Schauffele, whose Japanese grandparents settled in Southern California after World War II. His maternal grandparents still live in the rural, hilly area. At the same time, his mother was growing up in Japan, having spent her early childhood in Taiwan. Schauffele capped off his victory by celebrating the win with his whole family, emphasizing his deep family ties and upbringing. His 81-year-old grandmother proudly walked the course with him during the Open.
Schauffele’s ties to Japan extend beyond his family, as his wife, Maya, is half Japanese and was raised on Okinawa’s southern island. That personal connection deepens his experiences in Japan. He’s been coming here since the age of nine to visit his grandparents.
“I’ve been coming here since I was about 9 years old to visit my grandparents,” – Xander Schauffele
The proud new parents, who met at Yale, just had their son a little over a month ago. Schauffele is looking forward to showing his child more of the Japanese culture down the road.
“I can’t wait to bring my son here when he’s old enough to sort of understand and appreciate the culture here in Japan,” – Xander Schauffele
In addition to his most recent win, Schauffele has done enough to already establish himself to become one of golf’s big stars. After winning the 2024 Open Championship, he returned home with a pet gold medal that he proudly displayed after winning a glorious post-pandemic Tokyo Games. His emotional bond with Japan is immediate and profound. It grounds that narrative in the undeniable physicality of a phenomenal athletic journey that speaks to millions of fans.
Schauffele’s take the crown at the Baycurrent Classic exemplifies his excellence and drive on the face of the fairway. It speaks to the role of family and tradition in his life.
“Yeah, the ties run deep for the Schauffele family here in Japan,” – Xander Schauffele
As he celebrates this win with loved ones, Schauffele emphasizes the value of these connections and how they enhance his experience as a professional golfer.
Leave a Reply