Schauffele conquers Japan: Emotional victory with family roots

alofoke
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YOKOHAMA, Japan – While it may not be the most prestigious triumph in Xander Schauffele’s career, his victory at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan will surely be unforgettable. Schauffele carded a 64, seven-under par, on Sunday, securing the championship in a country with deep family ties. His mother grew up in Japan and has numerous connections in the region. With a total of 265 strokes, 19 under par, after four rounds at the Yokohama Country Club, Schauffele beat Max Greyserman by one stroke, who was also runner-up in this event the previous year. Schauffele’s ties to Japan are significant: his maternal grandparents reside there, and his mother has roots in Taiwan, but grew up in Japan. In addition, his mother-in-law is Japanese and his wife is half-Japanese, having grown up in Okinawa.

Xander Schauffele
La madre de Xander Schauffele nació en Taiwán, pero creció en Japón.
AP Photo/Hiro Komae

I’ve been coming here since I was 9 years old to visit my grandparents. I fell in love with this country a long time ago. I’m eager to bring my son when he’s old enough to understand and appreciate Japanese culture.

Xander Schauffele
Schauffele also highlighted the importance of his family ties in Japan. Recently become a father, Schauffele expressed his excitement to return home to his son and his wife, Maya. During the tournament, Schauffele was supported by his family, including his 81-year-old grandmother, who accompanied him on the course. Schauffele anticipated a celebration with his family, highlighting the importance of sharing this triumph with them. In addition to his two major championships, including the 2024 Open Championship, and his gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Schauffele has accumulated other notable titles on the PGA Tour.
Xander Schauffele con su familia
Xander Schauffele posa con su familia tras ganar el Baycurrent Classic. Sus abuelos maternos viven en Japón, su suegra es japonesa y su esposa es mitad japonesa y creció en la isla de Okinawa.
Yoshimasa Nakano/Getty Images
Greyserman finished with a round of 65 strokes, while Michael Thorbjornsen recorded 64 strokes, finishing three strokes behind Schauffele. The favorable conditions on the course led to low scores. Matt McCarty shot an impressive 60, eleven under par, although he finished nine strokes behind the winner. Takumi Kanaya also shone with a 62, nine under par, finishing five strokes behind Schauffele. McCarty was close to a 58, but a mistake on the final hole led to a bogey and a 60. The PGA Tour record is held by Jim Furyk, with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.
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