The Schauffele Baycurrent Classic defence is alive. Xander Schauffele produced a sparkling 6-under 65 in Saturday’s third round at Yokohama Country Club, moving to 9-under and within four shots of the lead heading into Sunday’s final round in Japan.
The defending champion mixed two eagles with a double bogey in a rollercoaster round, describing it afterwards as “a weird day”. But the 65 was the round’s joint-best score, and it has put the two-time major winner firmly in contention for his first title of the season.
Schauffele Baycurrent Classic charge: how the third round unfolded
Schauffele started the day well off the pace but attacked from the outset. The two eagles did the heavy lifting, offsetting the damage of a double bogey that briefly threatened to derail his round. He heads into the final 18 holes four behind a three-way tie at the top.
Michael Brennan, Zach Bauchou and Jacob Bridgeman share the lead at 13-under. Bridgeman, who is chasing his third tour victory of the year, will feel the pressure of a player of Schauffele’s calibre looming behind him.
Adam Scott sits one shot back of the leaders and remains a threat, while home favourite Hideki Matsuyama is eight off the pace after a 2-under 69. Matsuyama summed up his day bluntly: “It was a mix of great golf and the worst golf.”
Jordan Spieth posted a 68 to reach 7-under, and Collin Morikawa is at 4-under after another steady round.
A happy hunting ground
Yokohama has been kind to Schauffele. He won this event last year, ending a 14-month wait for a title, and the course clearly suits his eye. The American has deep ties to Japan: his mother grew up there, his grandparents live in the country, and he has spoken often about how much the place means to his family.
A second straight Baycurrent Classic title would also settle the question hanging over his season. For all his consistency, Schauffele has not lifted a trophy this year, and a win on Sunday would be the ideal way to close his campaign.
The final-round battle promises intrigue. Three co-leaders with different pressures, a charging defending champion, and Scott lurking one back make for a crowded leaderboard. Schauffele will need another low round, but Saturday showed he has the game for it.
It has been a packed weekend across world sport, from cricket’s injury setbacks to late football drama in Germany, Premier League team news and England camp debates. In Yokohama, though, the spotlight belongs to golf, and to a champion timing his run to perfection.
Frequently asked questions
What did Schauffele shoot in the third round?
Xander Schauffele carded a 6-under 65 on Saturday, featuring two eagles and a double bogey, to reach 9-under for the tournament.
Who leads the Baycurrent Classic?
Michael Brennan, Zach Bauchou and Jacob Bridgeman share the lead at 13-under heading into Sunday’s final round, four shots ahead of Schauffele.
Where is the Baycurrent Classic played?
The US PGA Tour event is played at Yokohama Country Club in Japan. Schauffele is the defending champion, having won there last year.
When is the final round?
The fourth and final round is played on Sunday, with the leaders teeing off in the final groups.
*Sources: AFP via Tribune.*
