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Zander Schauffele, ranked 4th in the world (32 years old, American), secured his 10th PGA Tour title at an event in Japan, ending a 15-month drought without a victory and achieving his first win of the year. The triumph was particularly meaningful as it took place in the country of his mother and mother-in-law. Following a rib injury that troubled him late last year, Schauffele remarked, “I’m glad to confirm that my golf still functions.” This season, he had managed only three top-10 placements prior to this competition. The Associated Press stated, “Although not his most notable win, it could be the most unforgettable for Schauffele.”

Schauffele recorded eight birdies and one bogey in the final round of the Baker’s Cup Classic at Yokohama Country Club (par 71) on the 12th, ending with a score of 19-under 265. He beat Max Greyserman (American) by a single stroke, earning a prize of US$1.44 million (about 2.068 billion Korean won).

Schauffele, who refers to Japan as his “second hometown,” has strong connections to the country. His Taiwanese maternal grandfather met his Taiwanese maternal grandmother while studying in Japan and later moved there. Schauffele’s mother was born in Taiwan but spent her early years in Japan. His maternal grandparents welcomed him at the airport and showed great excitement during the competition. After securing gold in golf at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Schauffele joked, “The only people in Japan who supported me, rather than Hideki Matsuyama, were my maternal grandparents.”

Marrying in 2021, Schauffele’s in-laws also have significant links to Japan. His wife was raised by an American father and a Japanese mother from Okinawa. Schauffele attributed his development in a family with strong connections to Japan as beneficial to his golf career. Ahn Byung-hoon finished in a tie for fourth (14-under), while Kim Si-woo and Im Sung-jae shared 20th position (8-under).

At the Buick LPGA Shanghai, held at Shanghai Cheongna Garden Golf Club (par 72) on the 12th, world number one Atthaya Thitikul (22, Thailand) emerged victorious following a five-hole playoff. Thitikul became the first LPGA Tour player this season to achieve her second victory.

Katsumata Minami (Japan) led by four strokes through the 13th hole, but Thitikul closed the gap with five birdies over her last five holes (14–18), resulting in a tie at 24-under. She navigated a water hazard on the second playoff hole to make par, and ultimately secured the victory with a birdie on the fifth playoff hole.

At the KLPGA Tour’s K-FOOD Nolboo·Hwami Masters, Hong Jeong-min (23) claimed her third victory of the season, matching Bang Shin-sil and Lee Ye-won as the top performers this year.