Xander Schauffele confident for Masters after injury setback - ESPN

AUGUSTA, Ga. — After securing two of the four major championships in what was a breakout 2024, Xander Schauffele found himself in a maddening position at the beginning of this year.

After suffering an intercostal strain and a cartilage tear to his ribcage during the offseason, the then-No. 2 player in the world tried to play through it at the Sentry Invitational. He realized, however, that he needed more time and rehab.

Between spending more time with his wife and dogs and binge-watching TV shows, Schauffele also tuned in to golf and could only look on as his peers attempted to win tournaments he couldn't.

«I've never really dealt with injury before, so I've never really been sidelined,» Schauffele said Monday at Augusta National. «I'm trying to find all the positives to attach to the situation, and me not being hurt before and sitting at home thinking all these thoughts ...

»Watching everyone else play golf and sort of fly by me, it's been very motivating."

While Schaufele did his best to stay patient amid the healing process, the reigning PGA Championship and Open Championship winner watched as Rory McIlroy surpassed him for No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking following wins at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship.

«Rory has been playing unbelievably well this year with a couple wins already and kind of breezing through what looks like hard golf courses,» Schauffele said. «There's so many guys that have played at a really high level, and luckily I've learned that I can play at that level, too.»

Schauffele returned at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and has played a total of four events leading up to the Masters. Though he's still rounding into form, he made all four cuts and, two weeks ago,