Xander Schauffele finds redemption at WGC in Shanghai

Xander Schauffele got some redemption as he won the WGC in Shanghai. Schauffele was somewhat overlooked when Captains picks were being dished out for the USA Ryder Cup team in September.

Jim Furyk decided to leave Schauffele out and instead opted for none other than Tony Finau, who Schaufelle vanquished in a playoff here to give the Americans a clean sweep of WGC events for 2018. 

Schauffele made birdie on his final three holes Sunday, the last one a two-putt birdie from about 30 feet on the par-5 18th hole to win the HSBC Champions.

"When I was signing my card, I was like, `Oh, wow. I actually went birdie-birdie to get in the playoff," Schauffele said. "I was just in my own world out there."

Schauffele picked up 550 FedExCup points with the win and is now first in the season standings. He began the tournament by celebrating his 25th birthday and ended it with one clutch shot after another in the closing stretch at Sheshan International for a 4-under 68, the lowest score of the final round, and his first victory in 13 months.

Schauffele won twice in his first year on the PGA TOUR to win Rookie of the Year, finishing third in the 2017 FedExCup – the highest finish by a rookie. Last season featured high finishes, but only one good chance at winning when he was a runner-up in The Open at Carnoustie. He also was runner-up at THE PLAYERS Championship, finishing four shots behind Webb Simpson.

Finau, who started the final round with a three-shot lead in his bid for a second PGA TOUR-sanctioned victory, was ahead by one shot until Schauffele made an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th, only the fourth player to make birdie on that hole Sunday.

Defending champion Justin Rose missed a 10-foot birdie chance on the 17th and went to the final hole two shots behind. Trying to make eagle, the reigning FedExCup champion went from the bunker to the rough to over the green and into the water, making a bogey for a 72 to finish four shots back.

Thomas Pieters' ace greeted by uncomfortable celebration...

Brooks Koepka, who closed with a 69 and tied for 16th, stayed at No. 1 in the world for at least another week.

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