Xander Schauffele states his target score on day two at the ZOZO Championship after making quadruple bogey in opening round

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Xander Schauffele needs a low score on Friday as the world number two looks to play his way back into contention at the ZOZO Championship.

Schauffele carded a quadruple bogey eight on the ninth at Accordia Narashino Golf Club as he laboured his way to a three-over 73.

The two-time major winner is ten shots back of leader Taylor Moore and will need to produce something special if he’s to compete at the FedEx Cup fall event.

Schauffele anticipated a tough test and ran into trouble after a wayward drive at the end of his first nine. The 30-year-old’s ball nestled against a root, and after taking two swipes, Schauffele eventually elected to take a drop.

Schauffele went on to card one birdie on the back nine and faces an uphill task ahead of Friday’s play.

Xander Schauffele sets scoring target at ZOZO Championship

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Speaking after Thursday’s play, Schauffele admitted a round of seven or eight under would be “incredible” as he looks to edge back into contention heading into the weekend.

“I think having false confidence helps at times. In those spots, it really doesn’t. I will definitely try to assess it a little bit better next time and really think if I can get it out or not,” Schauffele said.

“If this was Sunday and I was in a good spot and hit my ball, I would be p——. Today, I am trying to brush it off. I have three days in front of me.

“Depending on what the leaders do tomorrow, it might be hard to get back into it, but I am going out in the morning, and the greens might be a bit less bumpy. If I can shoot seven, eight or something even lower, it would be incredible, or I just have to string together a bunch of three to five under rounds.”

Xander Schauffele makes error at ZOZO Championship

Schauffele’s failure to take a drop on the ninth could cost him heading into the weekend.

The American could have taken an unplayable lie and then hit his third shot somewhere near the green, with a bogey being the likely outcome.

Instead, the world number two appeared to lose his head somewhat and took two quick shots before eventually making the right decision.

Schauffele’s caddie, Austin Kaiser, should also shoulder some of the blame. Kaiser could’ve stepped in after his player’s first failed attempt.

Now, Schauffele and Kaiser must produce something pretty special on Friday, and given the American’s 2024 form, a low round isn’t out of the question.