Xander Schauffele didn't compete at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week, but at least he's feeling well again.
The second world rib wounded at the end of 2024 and attempted to suffer pain at Maui Sentry at the beginning of January. However, after that began, Schaufele decided that he needed to rest and rehabilitate before the heart of the season. He then missed two months before returning to action at Bay Hill this week, finishing in a four-over par for the championship.
He filmed a 3-under 69 on Sunday, but his best weekly round. After the final round, Shaufele spoke. Paul Hodwanic on the PGA Tour About his health and the state of the game.
“That was the biggest thing. It was probably the biggest win of the week,” Schaufele said.
“I was rolling the dice a bit because I couldn't play enough golf to get here. All the scans were clean, but I'm very pleased with how I felt. It's definitely a big bonus because the added golf didn't feel any tension or worsening.”
Schauffele will play this week in the Player Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Depending on how his ribs feel, he may play at the Valspar Championship the following week, but he hasn't committed to it yet. If so, it marks the competition for three consecutive weeks. However, if Schauffele chooses to take a break next week and take a break, he may play for Valero Texas Open, which will fall the week before the Masters. He wants as many reps as possible before returning to Augusta National in April.
“I'm trying to persuade myself to be in a good place, regardless of mentality,” added Schaufele.
“I can't sit all year round and feel sorry for myself. That kind of thing doesn't matter in any sport, so that's what it is and I have to pick up some kind of pace.”
Naturally, Schaufere struggled in the first three rounds, but still managed to make cuts, extending his impressive streak to 58 consecutive cuts. This is the longest active streak on the PGA Tour and the second longest in the last 30 years. Tiger Woods straightened the 142 from 1998 to 2005
“[My caddie Austin] I said this was probably the most difficult place to come back from any tournament all year round,” Schaufele said.
“I made the cut and got four rounds of golf and it made me feel better.”
Jack Mirco is a golf staff writer who plays SB Nation. Follow him with x @jack_milko.
