Picture this: a golfer who conquered the heights of major championships, only to face a year of setbacks that tested his resolve to the core. Xander Schauffele has just reclaimed his throne at the Baycurrent Classic, marking his first victory in 14 long months. But here's the twist that keeps fans talking – is this comeback a testament to unbreakable spirit, or a long-overdue return to form? Dive in as we unpack the details of his triumphant return and explore the controversies that surround it.
Schauffele secures his inaugural title in over a year
Image source, Getty Images
By Tom Mallows
BBC Sport journalist
Baycurrent Classic - final round leaderboard
-19 X Schauffele (US); -18 M Greyserman (US); -16 M Thorbjornsen (US); -14 A Smalley (US), T Kanaya (Jpn), R Hoey (Phi), G Higgo (SA), B-H An (Kor)
Selected others: -11 M Wallace (Eng); -10 C Morikawa (US), M McCarty (US), R Hoejgaard (Den)
In a thrilling display at Japan's Yokohama Country Club, American golfer Xander Schauffele clinched his first tournament win since the prestigious 2024 Open Championship. The 31-year-old delivered a spectacular final-round performance, scoring a remarkable 64 with eight birdies – that's eight holes where he scored one stroke under par, a feat that beginner golfers might compare to sinking a tricky putt in a casual game to gain an edge. This strong finish left him one shot ahead of fellow American Max Greyserman, wrapping up the event at an impressive 19-under par.
This victory came right after Schauffele's participation in the United States' Ryder Cup team, where they faced a disappointing loss to Europe (https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/articles/cqje8edyyz0o) at the challenging Bethpage Black course in New York. It's the kind of context that adds layers to his story, showing how international team pressures can influence an individual's season.
The year hadn't been kind to Schauffele; an early rib injury threw a wrench into his momentum, interrupting the high from his back-to-back major successes in 2024. Just two months after claiming his debut PGA Championship victory, he triumphed at Royal Troon in the Open, but the physical setback made everything feel uncertain. For those new to the sport, imagine training for a marathon only to twist your ankle right before the race – that was Schauffele's challenge, forcing him to rebuild both body and confidence.
Reflecting on his journey, the Tokyo 2021 Olympic gold medalist admitted he harbored serious doubts about ever winning again. 'I think every player in any sport, at some point, feels like they're on top of the world, then suddenly less sure,' he shared candidly. 'It was a tough year, but my team lifted me up when I was struggling. They've been my rock.' He described the win as a significant lesson from his injury, hinting at a renewed confidence. And this is the part most people miss – Schauffele's emphasis on team support offers a fresh perspective on golf, reminding us that even solo sports like this often involve a behind-the-scenes crew of coaches and trainers.
What made this win even more poignant for Schauffele was the location in Japan, where his mother was raised and his grandparents continue to reside. It's a personal touch that adds emotional depth, similar to how athletes might feel extra motivated playing in their ancestral homelands.
Meanwhile, Michael Thorbjornsen, who soared into a tie for the lead with an eagle – essentially scoring two under par on a single hole – ended up third, three strokes back at 16-under par. Schauffele's Ryder Cup teammate, Collin Morikawa, tied for 14th at 10-under, in a showing that could spark debates about team dynamics post-defeat.
But here's where it gets controversial: American Matt McCarty stole the show with the day's best round, racking up 12 birdies, including eight consecutive on the back nine, for an astonishing 11-under 60. A single bogey on the 18th hole was all that stood between him and a sub-60 score – a rare, historic milestone that some fans might argue should have earned him more attention. Is McCarty's performance a sign of overlooked talent, or does Schauffele's victory overshadow individual brilliance in team sports? Do you agree that injuries like Schauffele's are just hurdles to overcome, or do they reveal deeper issues in athletes' training routines? And how much does personal heritage play into a golfer's drive – is it a genuine motivator, or just a nice story for the media? We'd love to hear your takes: does this mark Schauffele as a true comeback king, or was his 2024 success an anomaly? Drop your opinions in the comments and let's spark a debate!
