Xander Schauffele praises Japanese fans for doing something ‘very helpful’ at the ZOZO Championship

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Xander Schauffele bounced back on day two of the ZOZO Championship, carding a five-under-par 65 at Accordia Narashino Country Club in Japan.

Schauffele made a quadruple bogey on day one as he laboured toward an opening round 73. The two-time major champion was targeting a low round on Friday, and that’s precisely what transpired.

Schauffele made birdies on 10, 13 and 16 to head out in 33 shots. The American would then pick up shots as six and seven to finish the day two under for the tournament.

The 31-year-old is ten shots back of leader Nico Echavarria and will need to go low on moving day if he’s to contend come Sunday afternoon.

Xander Schauffele loves what fans did at ZOZO Championship

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Talking to the media after his round, Schauffele was asked to discuss the Japanese crowds, and the reigning Open champion has lauded the support he’s received thus far.

“It’s been great,” Schauffele said. “The fans have been pushing us along and sharing our good shots and our recovery shots as well.

“It has been very helpful to have the fans pushing us along.”

Xander Schauffele makes Japanese admission

Maya Lowe, Schauffele’s wife, is of Japanese descent, and Schauffele himself also has several relatives who live in the country.

Despite his brother growing up in Japan and visiting the country several times, Schauffele admitted his Japanese isn’t entirely up to standard.

“Pretty bad, unfortunately! I haven’t spent enough time here to get much better at it,” Schauffele added. “My brother grew up here too, so he could speak Japanese before he could speak English, so it’s quite funny.”

Chen Ping-Yi, Schauffele’s mother, was born in Taiwan but grew up in Japan before meeting the golfer’s father, Stefan.

Given his heritage and family history, a victory at this weekend’s ZOZO Championship would be extra special for Schauffele. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of work for the American to do if he’s to chase down the leaders at Accordia Narashino Golf Club.