They say, the best is yet to come. After winning two majors in 2024 and predicting, the world No. 2 Xander Schauffele had to hit the brakes on his game, sidelined by his nagging right rib injury.. But the team at TGL doesn’t feel his absence. The American professional, after featuring at the Sentry and recording a T30 finish withdrew from American Express and has been on a recovery journey since then.
Just like his PGA Tour schedule, Schauffele rolled into TGL, playing the opener against The Bay Golf Club before an injury took him out. His squad took a brutal 2-9 L, struggling to stay afloat in the playoff race. The skid didn’t stop there—without Schauffele, they got steamrolled 0-4 by Atlanta Drive GC. I mean, his absence hit different.
This is not a big concern now with the third match against the Jupiter Links GC. Rickie Fowler was asked about the performance, after winning their first match at TGL. During the post-match press conference, he was asked, “It opens some chances now for you guys to have a goal of still making the playoffs.”
Answering to which Fowler said, “We all knew that we were going to need — I think we knew it was kind of unspoken thing. We were going to need a big night at some point to at least kind of get the mojo going and the momentum the right way. Nice to do it tonight versus waiting for a match or two.” The New York GC roared back at Tiger Woods‘s Jupiter Links GC by a huge 10-3 win. As the team pumps with good adrenaline, they seem on the way to the trophy without the world no. 2.
PGA, Golf Herren The Open Championship – Third Round Jul 20, 2024 Ayrshire, SCT Rickie Fowler at the 12th hole during the third round of the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon. Ayrshire Royal Troon SCT
After the win, New York GC climbed to 4th, boosting their playoff shot. Halfway through the tournament, Fowler teased a comeback next week, locked in for the LA Golf Club showdown. It’s work hard, play hard time. He said, “Yeah, I’m looking forward to next week, one, with earlier Monday I’ll play in Jack’s pro-am at Bear’s Club, follow it up with TGL at night, and then roll into the Cognizant. So it’s a week I always look forward to.” Now with the comeback planned by the team, will the world no. 2 be a part of it in the coming final days of the event?
Xander Schauffele’s update about the comeback
The two-time major winner was aiming to “play next week at the WM Phoenix Open, but right now, he is targeting coming back for the Genesis, which is now going to be in his hometown of San Diego at Torrey Pines,” as per Lewis. However, he is taking more time to get 100% fit and start playing.
Well, for the fans there is good news, Xander Schauffele shared with Golfweek. He is aiming to participate at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which will tee off on March 6-9 at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Speaking about his recovery, he said, “I need a little more TLC — especially at 31 versus 25 — and make sure everything is oiled correctly.” Taking the advice of everyone and not injuring himself again. The golfer has made the right decision to rest and refresh.
Now, with his news of returning to the course, it will be interesting to see how he takes his 2024 form ahead. What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments section below.
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