In favourable conditions, the American edged Max Greyserman by one stroke after a superlative seven under 64 around Yokohama Country Club. Unfortunately for Greyserman, it was his second runner-up finish at the event in as many years.
But Schauffele was on cloud nine. The victory is his first since winning The Open Championship last year and to do it in front of his parents - his mother was raised in Japan - made the occasion all the merrier.
"It's special," said the two-time major winner.
"I tried to stay present and not think too far ahead, but it's really special. It feels good. It's nice to know I still got it. It was a rough year but my team dragged me through it."
The low-scoring conditions nearly resulted a a piece of history for Matt McCarty. The American went on an incredible eight-hole birdie streak and had a chance at a 58, but hit the ball into the trees on his final hole and was forced to settle for a bogey and an 11-under 60.
Max Greyserman and Xander Schauffele will head into the final day of the Baycurrent Classic in Japan tied for the lead after a wet and testing third round on Saturday.
Xander Schauffele surged into contention at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, firing a scorching eight-under 63 on Friday to move within four shots of the lead at the tournament’s halfway point.
South Africa's Garrick Higgo came agonisingly close to ending his PGA Tour title drought at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Sunday, but a late surge from American rookie Steven Fisk denied him victory.
South Africa's Garrick Higgo produced a dazzling display of eight birdies on his way to a six-under-par 66 to move clear at the top after the second round of the Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi.
