Xander Schauffele’s journey through the 2025 golf season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—one marked by setbacks, redemption, and a triumphant return to the winner’s circle. After what many considered a sluggish start and a stretch marred by injury, Schauffele’s recent victory at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan has reignited hope and excitement among fans and pundits alike. But does this win signal a full return to form, or is there still more work to be done for the world’s new number three?
Let’s rewind to the Ryder Cup earlier this October, where Schauffele’s performance was a microcosm of his season: flashes of brilliance tempered by moments of frustration. Teaming up with his trusted partner Patrick Cantlay, Schauffele helped secure the only American victory in the opening foursome match on Friday—a much-needed bright spot as the rest of the U.S. squad faltered. Their chemistry, honed over previous Ryder Cups, was on full display, and expectations soared.
Yet, the high didn’t last. On Saturday, Schauffele and Cantlay ran into the formidable European duo of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Despite their best efforts, the Americans fell 3 & 2—a loss that weighed heavily on Schauffele. In a candid press conference following his subsequent triumph in Japan, Schauffele reflected, “I thought at the Ryder Cup I played pretty solid, I let Pat hang in our second alternate match or foursomes match, I played really poor there and let him down, but the other rounds I felt like I was starting to kind of play some good golf. It’s very high stakes, high-pressure golf, and I started to hit some shots that I wasn’t really hitting throughout the year.”
That sense of accountability and self-awareness would soon pay dividends. On Sunday at the Ryder Cup, Schauffele faced Jon Rahm again—this time in singles. He delivered a masterclass, defeating Rahm by the biggest margin of the day, 4 & 3. “I think the whole tournament, even though we lost, for me personally, I was able to hit a few shots in high-stakes moments that sort of gave me a little bit of confidence for sure,” Schauffele admitted. That confidence boost proved invaluable as he headed to Yokohama for the Baycurrent Classic.
Few would have predicted that Schauffele would have to wait until mid-October for his first PGA Tour win of 2025, especially after a 2024 season that saw him capture both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship. Injuries sidelined him for part of the early season, and for the first time in his career, he failed to qualify for the Tour Championship—a jarring result for someone whose worst previous finish at East Lake was a tie for seventh.
But redemption stories are part and parcel of sports, and Schauffele’s was scripted perfectly in Japan. He posted a sizzling final-round 64 at Yokohama Country Club, edging out Max Greyserman by a single shot to clinch the Baycurrent Classic. The win was more than a trophy; it marked his tenth career PGA Tour victory, making him the 119th player in Tour history to reach double digits. According to PGA TOUR Communications, the win also propelled him from No. 4 to No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking and tied him for 109th on the all-time wins list.
What does all this mean for Schauffele’s trajectory? History suggests caution. The Baycurrent Classic, though a prestigious event, has not always been a springboard for future success. Since Tiger Woods won the inaugural title in 2019, several champions—including Nico Echavarria and Collin Morikawa—have struggled to replicate their success. Morikawa’s case is especially poignant: after winning in Japan in 2023, he has yet to claim another PGA Tour title. He finished tied for 14th at this year’s event and has already wrapped up his season.
Morikawa himself reflected on the emotional weight of his 2023 win, stating, “It was incredible. Yeah, it feels incredible. Every win’s so different, and every experience, whether it’s winning or losing, you learn a lot, but this one just meant the world.” Yet, despite flashes of brilliance—including runner-up finishes at The Sentry and the Arnold Palmer Invitational—Morikawa has found victory elusive, a cautionary tale for Schauffele as he looks ahead.
Back to Schauffele: his 2025 campaign has been a study in resilience. Missing out on the Tour Championship was a blow, but his Ryder Cup heroics and Baycurrent Classic win have reignited his season. Still, the competition isn’t getting any easier. With Scottie Scheffler’s dominance and Rory McIlroy’s hunger for the biggest stages, the battle for the sport’s summit is fiercer than ever. Schauffele’s own words after his win in Japan suggest he’s not taking anything for granted. The hard work, he knows, is far from over.
As for what’s next, Schauffele is likely to take a well-deserved break. His typical schedule suggests he may not tee it up again until the Hero World Challenge in December, giving him nearly two months to rest, reflect, and recharge. Fans may have to wait to see the new world number three in action, but anticipation will only build as the golf world looks for signs that his momentum can carry into 2026.
Schauffele’s story this season is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. From the lows of injury and missed opportunities to the highs of Ryder Cup redemption and a milestone win in Japan, he’s proven—once again—that he belongs among the game’s elite. But as recent history has shown, the path from one victory to sustained dominance is anything but straightforward. For now, Schauffele and his supporters can savor this moment, even as the next challenge looms on the horizon.
With his confidence renewed and a coveted tenth PGA Tour win secured, Xander Schauffele has set the stage for an intriguing conclusion to 2025 and a tantalizing start to the new year. The golfing world will be watching—eager to see if this is just the beginning of another remarkable chapter in his career.
