Xander Schauffele Finds His Form With Excellent Second Round

Talk about Xander Schauffele, because the man just dropped an absolute bomb of a round at the Baycurrent Classic, and if you weren’t paying attention, it’s time to tune in.

After a year that felt more like a rollercoaster than a golf season, Schauffele is swinging his way back into elite form. Friday at Yokohama Country Club? That was a message. Loud and clear. An 8-under-par 63, his lowest round of the entire 2025 PGA TOUR season. He’s now sitting just four shots back of Max Greyserman heading into the weekend—and that leaderboard better watch its back.

Let’s rewind for a sec.

This is a guy who won TWO majors last year. Came into 2025 looking like he had rocket boosters strapped to his bag. Then—bam—rib injury. Missed two months right out of the gate. That’ll knock the wind out of anyone’s sails. And since coming back? Some bright spots, sure—especially in the majors—but only three top-10s, and for the first time ever, he didn’t make it to the TOUR Championship.

From Dad Duty to Ryder Cup Hero

From Dad Duty to Ryder Cup Hero
© Ethan Morrison USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

But let’s be honest: golf isn’t always a straight line. And sometimes, life gets a little bigger than birdies and bogeys. In August, Xander Schauffele became a dad—cue the happy tears. Little Victor showed up just in time to give his pops some major perspective. Dad life kept him out of the Procore Championship, but when it came time to suit up for the Ryder Cup? He showed up like a boss—3-1 overall, and he smoked Jon Rahm on Sunday. Just another reminder: Schauffele’s still got that big-match gear.

Dialed In and Dangerous in Japan

Now we’re seeing that form spill into Japan. And this round wasn’t just solid—it was surgical. Four birdies in a row on holes 3 through 6. Added a couple more on 8 and 13. Then finished with a flurry—17 and 18, circle-circle. That’s how you close a round.

He’s been dialed in off the tee, lights-out with the putter, and his mindset? Calm, confident, focused. Even Thursday, when the course played like it was possessed by the ghost of Typhoon Halong, Schauffele managed to hang in there. On Friday? He pounced.

Now he’s got 36 holes left to chase down Greyserman and the rest of the pack—and if he keeps swinging like this, they’re gonna hear those footsteps fast.

One thing’s for sure: Xander Schauffele isn’t just hoping to get back to elite form. He’s doing it—right in front of our eyes.

Latest

Round 3 Tee Times Set to Separate Open Contenders

Saturday's Round 3 pairings at the 2026 Open Championship will determine who advances, as Kevin Cunningham reports for Golf.com.

Horschel’s Ralph Lauren Looks Tested for The Open

An in-depth look at Billy Horschel's Ralph Lauren RLX outfit for The Open Championship, testing the gear that defines his competitive style.

Rose and Fitzpatrick Miss Open Cut in Staggering Blow

Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick failed to make the Open Championship cut, marking a rare weekend for stars as ESPN Golf reports on the shocking exits.

Rahm Gets Warning After Club Tomahawk at Open

Jon Rahm received a code-of-conduct warning for spiking his club at the Open Championship. See the details and what it means for his tournament.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Round 3 Tee Times Set to Separate Open Contenders

Saturday's Round 3 pairings at the 2026 Open Championship will determine who advances, as Kevin Cunningham reports for Golf.com.

Horschel’s Ralph Lauren Looks Tested for The Open

An in-depth look at Billy Horschel's Ralph Lauren RLX outfit for The Open Championship, testing the gear that defines his competitive style.

Rose and Fitzpatrick Miss Open Cut in Staggering Blow

Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick failed to make the Open Championship cut, marking a rare weekend for stars as ESPN Golf reports on the shocking exits.

Rahm Gets Warning After Club Tomahawk at Open

Jon Rahm received a code-of-conduct warning for spiking his club at the Open Championship. See the details and what it means for his tournament.

Analyst Slams DeChambeau Over Open Penalty Reaction

Brandel Chamblee calls Bryson DeChambeau's reaction to his Open penalty "childish" and "immature" in a scathing new critique of the star golfer.

Round 3 Tee Times Set to Separate Open Contenders

Saturday's Round 3 pairings at the 2026 Open Championship will determine who advances, as Kevin Cunningham reports for Golf.com.

Horschel’s Ralph Lauren Looks Tested for The Open

An in-depth look at Billy Horschel's Ralph Lauren RLX outfit for The Open Championship, testing the gear that defines his competitive style.

Rose and Fitzpatrick Miss Open Cut in Staggering Blow

Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick failed to make the Open Championship cut, marking a rare weekend for stars as ESPN Golf reports on the shocking exits.