Schauffele hoping to return from rib damage at Arnold Palmer

World No. 2 Xander Schauffele, sidelined most of this season due to a rib damage, informed Golfweek that he is concentrating on a return on the Arnold Palmer Invitational subsequent month.

Schauffele is coming off his finest season as a professional, profitable his first main title on the PGA Championship after which following that up a number of weeks later with a victory on the Open Championship.

However he informed Golfweek in a narrative revealed Friday that he damage his rib cage through the offseason, tried to play by means of it on the season-opening Sentry in Hawaii (the place he completed thirtieth) after which realized it was finest to close it down and rehab. He has since missed signature occasions just like the Pebble Seashore Professional-Am and this week’s Genesis Invitational, and he additionally withdrew from The American Categorical and the Farmers Insurance coverage Open.

And he additionally hasn’t been capable of play for his New York Golf Membership TGL crew since opening night time.

“I want a bit extra TLC, particularly at 31 versus 25 and ensure every part is oiled appropriately,” he informed Golfweek. “I believed I might be effective and saved going and performed by means of it at Sentry and on the first TGL match. I used to be just about tapped. I knew it was getting considerably worse and wanted time without work.”

Schauffele stated he is been hitting balls however not comfortably sufficient to really feel like he can play in a four-day event. However he stated he thinks he ought to be prepared by the Arnold Palmer, one other signature occasion March 6-9 and key prep forward of the Gamers Championship later in March after which the Masters in April.

“With actually thick tough, I may doubtlessly reinjure myself,” Schauffele informed Golfweek. “Everybody I’ve talked to stated the worst factor you are able to do is come again too quickly. Guys have informed me about being damage 6-12 weeks later. I do not wish to take care of a cease and go. As soon as I am again, I simply wish to go. I have been instructed to be affected person and ensure I am one hundred pc.”