Oh no! Sad news for the golf community regarding one of their favorites. They will have to wait some more to see #1 on the greens. 2024 was an incredible year for Scottie Scheffler. He won nine times, including the Masters and Olympic Gold. it was no surprise when he was awarded the PGA Tour Player of the Year award at the end of 2024. But things haven’t been as great for the world no. 1 since 2025 has begun. Hungry for more victories, Scheffler was disappointed to withdraw from The Sentry 2025. The reason behind his exit? An unexpected injury.

“On Christmas Day while preparing dinner, Scottie sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass,” Scheffler’s manager, Blake Smith, said in a statement released Friday. “Small glass fragments remained in the palm which required surgery. He has been told that he should be back to 100% in three to four weeks. Unfortunately, he will have to withdraw from The Sentry. His next scheduled tournament is The American Express.”

Now fresh reports have come in confirming that Scheffler has also withdrawn from the 2025 American Express tournament scheduled for January 16, 2025. The golfer wrote on his Instagram, “After consulting with my medical team, I have made the decision to withdraw from next week’s American Express tournament to give my injury more time to heal. I am still hopeful to begin my 2025 Season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.”

This is truly upsetting news, as fans were eager to continue watching Scheffler dominate the PGA Tour this year. But with him out of the picture, which pro has a chance to win the title in 2025? Let’s take a closer look at the list of committed players for the event.

If not Scottie Scheffler then who?

The 2025 American Express tournament has always attracted some of the biggest names in golf. Some of the most notable names to win in the past are LIV Golf’s Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. Joining the prestigious list last year was the record-setting rookie/pro of 2024, Nick Dunlap. He will be coming back to defend his title at the PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course. However, he will be going up against some big names in golf.

Players like Jason Day, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Tony Finau have already confirmed their participation till now. Unless anything changes, we will see all 4 of them fighting Dunlap on the course next weekend. However, the toughest adversary they will face in California is the world no. 2, Xander Schauffele. Coming from 2 major wins in 2024, Schauffele will be eager to win his 3rd title within 52 weeks and become the American Express champion.

Who will you be rooting for at the season’s second signature event? Let us know your picks below.