2021 Zozo Championship: Top 10 power rankings at Narashino CC

After posting a solid 3-1-0 record as a Ryder Cup rookie at Whistling Straits a few weeks ago, Xander Schauffele had another good result on his own accord at last week’s CJ Cup.

The Las Vegas resident fired 69-69-69-63 to finish T-18th against a talented field at The Summit Club. He made no double bogeys or worse on the week while still bashing it far enough to finish second in the field in driving distance (322.1).

The X Man also got up and down all three times he was in the sand.

Schauffele now finds himself back at Narashino Country Club for the Zozo Championship. He fared well with a T-10th finish (68-66-65-72). The San Diego State alum finished T-2nd in the field with 20 birdies, but a few too many mistakes, particularly on Sunday, kept him out of contention.

Many of the big names in golf are skipping the trip to Japan, but not Schauffele. This week means a lot to him, just like winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics this summer was a memorable achievement.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to return to Japan and compete in the Zozo Championship,” Schauffele was quoted by the PGA Tour. “Everybody knows of the close affinity that my family and I have with Japan due to our heritage and the fact that my grandparents live over there. Also, winning the Olympic Games gold medal in Tokyo in July has only reinforced my love for Japan and I look forward to coming back and challenging for the title at Narashino.”

The 27-year-old might be the most well-rounded player in the field. His worst strokes gained ranking in any category last season was 81st. He was fifth in total SG (1.484) and inside the top-20 putting and tee to green.