Xander Schauffele gained his first title since final yr’s Open Championship on the Baycurrent Basic in Japan.
American Schauffele carded a final-round 64, that includes eight birdies, to complete one shot away from compatriot Max Greyserman on 19-under at Yokohama Nation Membership.
It was Schauffele’s first occasion since the US’ Ryder Cup defeat by Europe at Bethpage Black in New York.
The 31-year-old struggled with a rib damage in the beginning of the yr which disrupted the momentum generated by his 2024 Open victory at Royal Troon, which got here solely two months after his maiden main win on the PGA Championship.
Schauffele mentioned he “undoubtedly had doubts” about whether or not he would win one other title once more.
“I believe each participant in any sport, in some unspecified time in the future in time you’re feeling such as you’re on prime of the world and you then really feel like, not that you have misplaced it, however you’re feeling much less assured,” mentioned the American, who gained Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.
“It was a tough yr however my crew dragged me by means of it. They decide me up after I’m down.
“Hopefully I am catching my stride. It was a giant studying expertise with the damage this yr.”
Schauffele added that it was “particular” to win in Japan, the place his mom grew up and his grandparents nonetheless dwell.
Michael Thorbjornsen, who briefly tied for the lead after an eagle on the fourth gap, completed three strokes behind Schauffele in third on 16 below par.
Schauffele’s Ryder Cup team-mate Collin Morikawa completed tied for 14th on 10 below.
American Matt McCarty had the spherical of the day, hitting 12 birdies – together with eight in a row on the again 9 – for a final-round 11-under 60, with solely a bogey on the 18th denying him a sub-60 spherical.
