Xander Schauffele, fresh off his most successful season as a professional golfer, is on the mend after a rib injury has kept him off the course for much of the current season. Schauffele, who claimed his first major title at the PGA Championship and followed it with a victory at the Open Championship, is targeting a return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational next month. The rib injury, sustained during the offseason, has forced him to miss several key events and has delayed his return to competitive play.
Schauffele's injury saga began during the offseason when he hurt his rib cage. Despite the discomfort, he attempted to compete in the season-opening Sentry Tournament in Hawaii. Schauffele finished in 30th place at Sentry, but it soon became apparent that playing through the pain was not sustainable. Realizing the need for a full recovery, he decided to halt his participation in tournaments and focus on rehabilitation.
The injury has kept Schauffele from participating in prominent events such as the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational. He also withdrew from The American Express and the Farmers Insurance Open, opting to prioritize his health over immediate competition. The golfer has been advised to be patient and ensure complete recovery before returning to play.
"I need a little more TLC, especially at 31 versus 25 and make sure everything is oiled correctly," Schauffele remarked.
While sidelined, Schauffele has been absent from playing for his New York Golf Club TGL team since opening night. Although he has resumed hitting balls, he admits he is not yet comfortable enough to participate in a four-day tournament. One of his primary concerns is the potential for reinjury due to the thick rough on some courses, which requires careful navigation and can exacerbate existing physical issues.
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