What does it need for a golf star to heal from an unforeseen injury and climb back to the top of the game? One of the stalwarts and the top player presently negotiating this difficult route is Xander Schauffele, the second-best golfer in the world.

Schauffele has set high standards for 2025 in an attempt to further his rise in the golf world following an incredible 2024 season in which he won his first two major victories — the 2024 PGA Championship and the Open Championship. Inevitably, however, life had an alternate plan, and he had to temporarily withdraw from important events like the Farmers Insurance Open and the American Express due to an unfortunate injury. Analysts and fans are concerned about Schauffele’s health and want to find out more about his injury and comeback. So, let’s dig in!

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Xander Schauffele rib injury: making him step back

Todd Lewis of the Golf Channel reports that Xander Schauffele has been battling a right rib issue since the end of the previous season. The issue started in late 2024, and although Schauffele managed to play despite it at the Sentry, he has been struggling to stick to his regular playing schedule. 

Since late last year, Xander Schauffele has struggled with a right rib issue. It is soft tissue rather than bones and despite the pain, he played through the problem at the Sentry, but at the moment he is trying to take it easy and avoids swinging his arms. He’s also refraining from participating in any local event and is unsure about his appearance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. In addition to being left out of the PGA Tour’s yearly visit to Palm Springs, Schauffele will also be absent when the league reaches San Diego, his hometown. For the first time since 2015, the world No. 2 player will not be teeing it up at Torrey Pines Course due to the withdrawal from the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open tournament. 

Rushing back into competitive play before fully recovering might endanger not just his game but also his future wellness, considering the extent of his injury. As a result, his medical staff is likely employing a planned return-to-play approach, keeping a close eye on his progress and using details to decide when he is ready for each new step of recovery. With fans being worried about Schauffele’s injury, they are also anticipating his comeback on the course.  So, let us see when is Xander Schauffele making his return. 

Awaiting Schauffele’s comeback on the course

Xander Schauffele has not yet made an official announcement on when he will return to professional golf as of mid-January 2025. Given the severity of rib injuries and the significance of a thorough recovery, Schauffele could require a significant amount of time off to attend to his medical needs. Schauffele addressed this by saying, “Not playing hometown event this week. Uncertain about @attproam” implying the uncertainty of his return on the course.

Schauffele’s departure from the tour is felt, especially in light of his incredible 2024 accomplishments. With victories at the British Open and PGA Championship, he not only cemented his place among the sport’s elite but also contributed to the discussion about the world’s top players, raising hopes for the 2025 season. He was not part of the TGL teams as well, but that is not due to any injury but because it would be overly burdensome for his travels and schedule.

However, Schauffele’s steadiness was greeted by an exceptionally high limit, as he maintained the longest made-cut run since Tiger Woods made 142 consecutive. However, his form has somewhat declined in his last two outings, finishing T30 to begin 2025 at the Sentry and T41 in his last 2024 start at the Zozo Championship. This does make sense considering his injury has been reported since then.

Until the severity of his injury has been confirmed it is unsure to anticipate his scheduled return. Fans can only wait for an update till then.