Xander Shauffele Issues Strong Self Criticism at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Shauffele made his first PGA Tour start in months at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. After being sidelined for a lengthy period through injury, rusty best described his play in Bay Hill.

Xavier Shauffele Still Far From His Best

Injury Details

Xander Schauffele, the world number three golfer, made his much-anticipated return to the PGA Tour at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational. An intercostal strain and rib cartilage tear had sidelined him since December. His comeback at Bay Hill was a significant step toward regaining his competitive edge ahead of the Masters in April.

Schauffele’s injury occurred just before Christmas during his preparation for the 2025 PGA season. Without his trainer, who was renewing his visa, Schauffele continued his training regimen. This eventually led to the intercostal strain.

“I was left on my own and apparently I’m still a toddler,” Schauffele said. “I kept training and golfing and training and golfing, and I’m used to having someone either hold my hand or do something as simple as soft tissue. I didn’t get any help and I think that is sort of what put my back against the wall.”

This injury forced him to miss several key events, including his favored Torrey Pines courses. After a period of rest and recovery, Schauffele returned to competition at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Shauffele aims to rebuild his form and target long-term goals, including upcoming majors.

Performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Schauffele’s return to competition was met with challenges. He described his experience at Bay Hill as getting his “a– kicked,” acknowledging the difficulty of returning at such a demanding course. After an opening round 77, Shauffele looked unrecognizable. With only one circle on the scorecard, Shauffele was in real danger of missing the cut. Despite the initial struggles, Schauffele managed to extend his tour-leading streak to 58 consecutive cuts made with an under-par 71.

In the final round, Schauffele shot a 3-under 69, finishing the tournament at 4-over. On Sunday, he played solo as the first man out. Shauffele expressed satisfaction with his physical condition, stating he was “super happy” to be fully healthy after his return.

Shauffele was in no mood to create excuses for his play either. Even being one of the top odds going into the tournament to win it all, fans knew they weren’t going to see a peak Shauffele performance. “I don’t have to shake off whatever I can this week, but I can’t sit all year long and feel sorry for myself, like, ‘Ah, I’m just rusty. I haven’t played,’ that stuff. Doesn’t matter in any sport. So it is what it is, and I’m going to have to pick up the pace,” said Shauffele.

Looking Ahead to the Masters

With the Masters approaching, Schauffele is contemplating adding another tournament to his schedule to regain his competitive rhythm. He acknowledged the need to “pick up the pace” and not “sit all year long and feel sorry for myself.” Potential events he might consider include the Valspar Championship, Texas Children’s Houston Open, or the Valero Texas Open.

Schauffele’s strategic approach to his schedule reflects his commitment to peak performance at Augusta. By participating in another event before the Masters, he aims to fine-tune his game and ensure he’s in optimal form for the year’s first major.

Xander Schauffele’s return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational marked a pivotal moment in his 2025 season. Overcoming injury and demonstrating resilience, Shauffele’s focused on regaining his competitive edge. As the Masters approaches, Schauffele’s focus is on ensuring his body is ready for the challenge.