Xander Schauffele’s 2025 season got off to a rocky start, finishing 30th at the Sentry Tournament and then withdrawing from several events, including the American Express and the Farmers Insurance Open, his hometown tournament. The two-time major winner was dealing with a right rib injury, specifically a soft tissue issue, which he’d been battling since late last year. After taking some time to rest and recover, Schauffele was finally cleared to practice again, but it was too soon for him to join the field at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Schauffele was hopeful of getting his season back on track, but now the golfer has revealed his disappointment for missing the 2025 season after playing the first two tournaments. In the latest post by the PGA Tour on X, he shared his frustrations about being sidelined due to injury. Schauffele admitted that he’s feeling pretty down about it, and it’s clear that he’s missing the game he loves. “Now I’m sidelined. I’m pretty bummed, to be completely honest. I mean, probably the worst start to any season I’ve had as a professional golfer”, he said. He’s been forced to take a break, and it’s been hard for him to watch his friends compete while he’s stuck at home.

Despite the setback, Schauffele is determined to make the most of his time off. He’s using this opportunity to learn and come back even stronger. His goal is to return to the course at 100%, and he’s working hard to make that happen. Schauffele’s honesty and positivity are inspiring, and his fans are eagerly waiting for his return to the game. “I’m sitting at homes watching all my friends, you know, watching everyone do what I love the most, which is to compete in tournaments. I’m just trying to learn from this situation and really come back 100%”, he continued.

Before he makes the grand return, this absence might cost Schauffele more than he may have anticipated.

Xander Schauffele has so much to lose

Being on the top of his game in 2024, Schauffele was on the rise to become one of the most touted players the sport has yet to see. There were even debates where his performance and 7 titles in 2024 were being compared to Tiger Woods’s prime years. However, one can never know what destiny has in store for them. As of now Xander Schauffele’s return to golf has been put on hold. Despite reports that he was targeting The Genesis Invitational, it seems that his injury woes are far from over. Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis had suggested that Schauffele was gearing up to make his comeback at the Genesis, which is now being held in his hometown of San Diego at Torrey Pines. However, it appears that those plans have been put on the back burner.

This prolonged absence from the game is likely to have a significant impact on Schauffele’s rankings. As the world’s second-ranked golfer, he’s got a lot to lose. Golfers like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa are likely to capitalize on Schauffele’s misfortune, and could potentially leapfrog him in the rankings. With every passing week, Schauffele’s chances of retaining his ranking slip further away. It’s a tough blow for the talented golfer, who’s no doubt itching to get back out on the course and compete at the highest level.