The bad blood between Xander Schauffele and Jay Monahan is public news. The World No.2 has constantly called out the inaction displayed by the PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan on several occasions. The 2x major winner had some choice thoughts about how the news about the merger came about in 2023, stating, “I wouldn’t mind seeing some new leadership take place on our circuit. I would be lying if I said that I have a whole lot of trust after what happened. That’s definitely the consensus that I get when I talk to a lot of guys. It’s a bit contradictory when they call it ‘our Tour’ and things can happen without us even knowing.” This was not the only time.

Before the Memorial tournament in June 2024, Schauffele revealed to the sports reporter of the Times UK, Tom Kershaw his thoughts about the PGA Commissioner He explained that Monahan’s nonchalance as the head of a reputed organization bothered him a lot, “Throughout all of this turmoil, what’s probably bothered me the most — now more than ever — is that we need someone to lead us… Not once has our commander-in-chief stood up for all of us players…”

Xander Schauffele wanted Monahan to stand up for the golfers and make a statement. This lack of ownership and front-facing from the commissioner proved to be costly as several big names left for LIV Golf. Schauffele explained, “He [Jay Monhan] didn’t take a stand when anyone left, he didn’t come out to the public and face the music, none of that… Historically in tough situations, you need a strong leader who can make the big waves smaller… Right now, we don’t have that.”

But despite all this, Monahan seems to have nothing but nice words for Xander Schauffele. Ahead of the Genesis Invitational Monahan was speaking to the media, when he indicated that Schauffele’s competitiveness on the golf course is something the PGA Tour misses desperately.

“Having 46 of the top 50 in the world playing here is going to be really exciting,” he said. The Genesis Invitational is the third signature event of the season. Hosted by Tiger Woods, the Invitational boasts a purse of $20 million for the field of 72 players. Initially set to take place at the Rivera, the venue was shifted because of the LA fires. Now, the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego is hosting the tournament. The event is being played in San Diego, and the person in whose life the city has been monumental is not in the field. 

Xander Schauffele is currently recovering from a rib injury sustained last year. He only played in one event on the PGA Tour circuit this year, the Sentry where he finished T30. He has since failed to appear at any of the five events after. At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, fans were nearly treated to a comeback, but Schauffele later withdrew so as to recuperate from the injury better. Amidst him not being in the field, Monahan remembered Schauffele. “We’re here in San Diego. I just want to acknowledge that we miss Xander Schauffele. We’re looking forward to his healthy return and hope that that’s soon,” Monahan said.

Xander Schauffele is not the only one missing from the field. Other prominent names are also missing from the list at the signature event.

Big names missing from the 2025 Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods is currently grieving the passing of his mother Kultida Woods, who passed away on February 4. He initially declared his participation but later rescinded it. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss,” he shared. Woods will still be in attendance at the event, as he is hosting it to benefit his charity, the TGR Foundation. Fans who were eagerly anticipating the 15-time Major winner’s return will have to wait further.

Nicolai Højgaard is also a big name that is missing. The Danish golfer last played in the WM Phoenix Open where he finished T36 with a score of 7 under par. Højgaard has two runner-up finishes at the PGA Tour but is yet to register a victory.

With the Genesis Invitational set to tee off soon, do you think the bad blood between Xander Schauffele and Jay Monahan will be put to rest after the recent comments from the commissioner? Or will Schauffele need more than verbal support to start trusting Monahan?