Xander Schauffele is back on the PGA Tour, and Scottie Scheffler knows exactly what it’s like to come back from injury. The golfing world is welcoming back one of its top talents, Xander Schauffele, after a four-week hiatus due to a knee injury. Schauffele, currently ranked sixth in the world, is set to participate in the World Golf Championship-FedEx St. Jude Invitational this week, and fellow golfer Scottie Scheffler is more than familiar with the challenges and triumphs that come with making a comeback from an injury.
The 27-year-old Schauffele sustained a knee injury while playing with his father at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. Despite trying to play through the pain, he had to withdraw from the tournament and subsequently missed the Phoenix Open and the Genesis Invitational. It was a difficult decision for Schauffele, considering the momentum he had built up with three top-10 finishes in his first four starts of the season.
But as any professional athlete knows, injuries are a part of the game, and it’s all about how you bounce back. And who better to offer insight on this than Scottie Scheffler, who not only knows Schauffele personally but has also made a remarkable comeback from injury himself.
Scheffler, 25, had to sit out for three months in 2019 with a stress fracture in his left foot. He returned to action in November of that year and went on to win the Korn Ferry Tour Championship and secure his PGA Tour card. Just a year later, Scheffler was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, recording seven top-10 finishes and a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship.
When asked about his advice for Schauffele, Scheffler said, “Just be patient. It’s tough when you’ve been playing really well and then you have an injury. But just trust the process and know that you’ll come back from it stronger.” He also emphasized the importance of staying positive and working closely with the team of doctors and physical therapists to ensure a full recovery.
Schauffele has indeed been patient, and after weeks of rest and rehabilitation, he is ready to get back into action. He expressed his excitement in a recent interview, saying, “I’m just happy to be healthy again. I can’t wait to get out there and compete with the guys.”
And compete he shall. Schauffele has proven to be a formidable force on the PGA Tour, with four career victories, including two WGC titles. He has also represented the United States in the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup and is widely regarded as one of the top players on the tour.
But with Scheffler’s words of wisdom and encouragement in mind, Schauffele is not just looking to return to his previous form; he’s looking to come back even stronger. And this couldn’t come at a better time, with the FedEx Cup playoffs just around the corner.
It’s no surprise that both Schauffele and Scheffler are known for their mental toughness and determination on the course. But it’s their positive attitude and perseverance in the face of challenges that truly sets them apart and inspires others. As fellow golfer Justin Thomas said, “Xander is one of the toughest guys out here, mentally, physically, emotionally.” And Scheffler’s resilience and comeback story only add to their shared mindset.
As the golfing world awaits Schauffele’s return, there’s no doubt that he will be met with support and admiration from his fellow players, especially Scheffler. Together, they serve as a reminder that setbacks are just temporary, and with the right mindset and hard work, anything is possible.
So as Schauffele makes his comeback this week, let’s root for him and learn from his and Scheffler’s example. Let’s embrace the challenges and come out on the other side better than ever. Welcome back, Xander Schauffele! We can’t wait to see you back in action on the PGA Tour.
