The lineup for the third match of TGL is all set. New York GC will take on the Atlanta GC at the SoFi Center. While the players are gearing up for the showdown, the roster of NYGC misses the world no.2, Xander Schauffele. The reigning Open champion has also pulled out of the Farmers Insurance Open, leading to speculations of a shock LIV Golf move. The San Diegan has always teed off at Torrey Pines – a ‘home’ tournament so to speak.

But it’s not LIV Golf that’s behind his surprise absence from TGL and the PGA Tour. Rather, Xander Schauffele has been suffering from a rib injury. While his team initially confirmed the reports of injury, they didn’t divulge the details. That came via a tweet from Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis. 

Lewis reported that Schauffele’s rib injury dates back to late last year. Initially, he decided to play through it. “Played through issue at the Sentry but resting now and not making any full swings. Not playing hometown event [Farmers Insurance Open] this week. Uncertain about AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am,” 

His form took a noticeable dip at the Sentry. Schauffele barely managed a T30 at Kapalua where he was a favorite to clinch the title. Before that, in Japan, the world no.2 finished T41 at the Zozo Championship. Schauffele looked uninspiring in his TGL debut as well. His team was thrashed 9-2 by The Bay Golf Club in the inaugural match. With that being said, now the question is when will the two-time major winner make a return?

Xander Schauffele’s possible recovery timeline

As of now, it’s unclear how long the injury will force him to sit out of competitive rounds. It should be noted that Xander Schauffele didn’t suffer from a rib fracture rather, it was a soft tissue injury. A soft tissue injury primarily includes bruising (blood vessel rupture), intercoastal strains (a common injury for golfers), and Costochondral separation (torn rib from coastal cartilage). Further details on Schauffle’s injury are awaited at the moment. 

But fans can take solace in the fact that soft tissue injury has a shorter recovery time than fractures, which typically take six to twelve weeks to heal. That means the 31-year-old PGA Tour pro is likely to return to the greens by next month, possibly at the Genesis Invitational. 

Notably, the Tiger Woods hosted signature event has been moved out of Riviera Golf Club. Torrey Pines is reportedly a frontrunner to host the tournament, allowing Schauffele another chance to return to his favorite venue. Meanwhile, New York Golf Club’s next match is against Tiger Woods’s Jupiter Links GC on February 18. In his absence, Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Rickie Fowler will carry the New York Golf Club forward.