When Xander Schauffele first arrived in Japan last year for the Baycurrent Classic, he came alone to a country he’s long felt an attachment to.
"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," he said at the time. "Yeah, the ties run deep for the Schauffele family here in Japan."
His wife, Maya, had given birth to their first child, Victor, less than two months earlier, and while Schauffele had left his young family behind, he carried something with him that would soon become even more meaningful — a sense of connection to a country he has long considered a second home. By the end of the week, he would leave Japan carrying something else: a trophy.
"It's nice to know I've still
got it," he said after securing a one-stroke victory over Max Greyserman.
Schauffele fired a final-round 7-under 64 at Yokohama Country Club in Yokohama, a city about 20 miles south of Tokyo, to capture the 10th PGA Tour title of his career in his 200th start. It was a milestone victory, but the setting made it particularly special.
“Really cool moment for me in my career to perform at a really high level at a place that I hold dear,” Schauffele said on Tuesday ahead of his title defense. “It sort of feels like in some way a home away from home.”
For Schauffele, there’s good reason why that feeling runs deep.
His mother grew up in Japan, and Schauffele has been visiting the country since he was about 10 years old, spending time where his maternal grandparents live. Japan has become woven into his family history, his childhood and his golf career. It was also the place where he won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021. Now, he is back again — but this time, he isn't alone.
Schauffele has brought Maya and Victor with him, turning this year's return to Japan into something far more personal than another stop on the PGA Tour schedule. On Tuesday, ahead of the tournament, Schauffele spoke about introducing his son to grandparents from both sides of the family.
“Actually going to see my grandparents tonight, introduce my son to them,” he said. “So, that will be a really cool moment, a lot of generations of family will be there. Yeah, it's kind of what it's all about.”
After the tournament, the family plans to travel to Miyakojima, an island in the Okinawa prefecture, where Maya's grandfather lives. For Schauffele, the trip represents more than sightseeing. It is another opportunity to connect generations of his family in a place that has always felt familiar and have it become part of his son's story, too.
And somewhere amid those family gatherings, Schauffele will get down to business. He is attempting to make history at the Baycurrent Classic. A victory would make him the tournament's first multiple champion and the first player to successfully defend the title. It would also give Schauffele a trophy in a season in which he has yet to win.
The 32-year-old enters the week ranked No. 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking, one of only two players in the field inside the top 10, alongside No. 5 Wyndham Clark. It has been a long season for Schauffele. The Baycurrent Classic is his 21st start, and his first since the Tour Championship in August. Two weeks ago, he was part of the United States team at the Presidents Cup, helping Team USA rally to a 17–13 victory at Medinah Country Club.
The week took its toll. Schauffele admittedly didn’t have his best stuff and lost his first two matches before teaming with Patrick Cantlay to win an important Saturday afternoon foursomes match. In Sunday singles, Schauffele downed British Open champion Ryan Fox, 2 and 1, in the anchor match.
“Chicago was very stressful,” Schauffele said. “We played really well on Sunday, but our backs were against the wall and probably came off the course pretty tired after what was a pretty big battle.”
The victory was satisfying, but exhausting.
“I think we're all elated and very happy to win,” he said, “but it definitely took a lot more out of me than I thought.”
Now Japan offers a different kind of challenge — and perhaps a different kind of energy. Schauffele knows the course. He knows the country. More importantly, he knows what it feels like to win here.
But this time, there is another reason to make the week memorable. Victor is here.
Schauffele's pursuit of another trophy may be the headline. But for him, the story is bigger than golf. It is about coming back to a place that has always felt like home, and being able to share it with the next generation.
Adam Schupak is a senior writer for Golfweek, covering the PGA Tour.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: 'Home away from home:' Xander Schauffele brings family to Japan title defense
