The 2026 Baycurrent Classic tees off on Thursday, Oct. 7, from Yokohama Country Club in Japan, but for U.S. fans, it will begin late Wednesday night due to the time zone difference. Golfweek has locked in our best picks to win this weekend. Here's who we expect to sit atop the leaderboard when play ends on Sunday.
Follow along with all the action this week with Golfweek and USA Today Sports for a live leaderboard, golfer rankings and money list.
Baycurrent Classic Outright Winner
Adam Schupak: Rickie Fowler (+3500)
Fowler had a steady year but a victory has been elusive. I've heard Butch Harmon rave about his swing being as good as ever, and I have to agree. Still one of the silkiest putting strokes, too. A win in Japan would mean a lot to him given his Japanese
roots. Collin, Xander and Hideki all have won in Japan so why not Rick?
Todd Kelly: Ryo Hisatsune (+6000)
Much of the attention will be on defending champion Xander Schauffele or Japan's most beloved, Hideki Matsuyama, but here's a pick for another Japanese player, Hisatsune, who has recorded five top-10s in 2026, including a T-2 finish at Torrey Pines. He's still seeking his first win. How sweet would it be to get it this week?
Cameron Jourdan: Collin Morikawa (+1600)
Are we past the back problems? I do not know. Does anyone? Oh well. This is an awesome field, but Morikawa has played well this year considering everything he has been through with the back. This week, in Japan, he breaks through for his first win since Pebble.
David Dusek: Wyndham Clark (+1600)
The trip from the United States to Japan is a long one, but good putting and elite ball striking travel, so I'll take the reigning U.S. Open winner. Again.
Nicholas Stavas: Ryan Gerard (+2200)
Ryan Gerard has not finished worse than T-30 in his six starts since early August, three of which were on the DP World Tour. He finished the PGA Tour season with a solo third at the Tour Championship before being left off the Presidents Cup team, and I think he's still out to prove that he deserved a spot.
Timothy Schmitt: Zach Bauchou (+5000)
After an opening-round 62 at the bank of Utah championship, Bauchou said he was playing better than his results. If you take that at face value, well ... Wow. It's a strong field, but let's take a flyer on him this week.
Nick Stavas is a digital producer and commerce writer for Golfweek. Follow him on X/Twitter (@nickstavas).
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: 2026 Baycurrent Classic picks: See who Golfweek experts are taking to win in Japan
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
