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Xander Schauffele In A Fight Against Himself

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Orlando Fuller | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 2:57 PM ET

Last PGA Tour season, the world renowned golfer in Xander Schauffele was one of the most talented within the Tour. Earning the title as a defending PGA Tour champion, the ceiling was set extremely high and deservingly so. Yet, this 2025 season has been a turnaround performance throughout so far. After being set out due to a rib injury, Schauffele has been trying to battle his way back into contender status. With the Genesis Scottish Open to take place Thursday, the nine time Tour winner in Schauffele will be looking to turn things around.

Mental Or Physical Setback?

The pro since 2015 has had his fair share of experience with 195 events played in his career. That fact just hasn’t been enough to get the star over the current hurdle in his way. From downplaying previous injuries to his own personal play, it’s been a rough Tour season.

“Probably downplayed [the injury] in my own mind,” Schauffele said. “Yeah, you’ll be fine, you’ve been playing great golf. You just came off the best year of your career. And I’ve backed it up currently with the worst year of my career. It’s been a hot one. Like I said, I’m trying to do the best I can.”

It has been a battle of trying to mimic the impressive 2024 play that Schauffele put together. Despite having the unlucky season of injury, the flashes of golf when healthy are still lacking. Schauffele ranks 28th in Strokes Gained at (1.01), also he ranks 78th off the tee at (0.17). While also including a ranking at eighth in approach and 106th in putting. To put it into a comparison to last season, Schauffele ranked second, fifth, second and fifth in those listings.

What Will It Take?

The very thought of what Schauffele needs to succeed is easy to speculate on, but truly only something he knows. Something he has been quite vulnerable on in his recent talks with the media, ahead of his next appearance.

“Trying to get into some sort of contention to try and feel something again, other than upset,” Schauffele said. “I think I’ve just been angry-ish. That’s like been the biggest emotion of this is frustrating, versus why we love playing to be in contention and kind of see what you can do. But you know, that part’s been humbling. So you know, it’s a battle, and I’m going to try and win it.”

Emotions of anger have been broadcasted by some of the best this season, yet the challenge of not letting it affect your golf is front and center. The grind back to the limelight has pumped fuel in Schauffele, and taught the importance of mental stability throughout.

“Small victories is where I’m battling,” Schauffele said. “If I can play 72 holes without fiddling with my golf swing this week, that would be a massive win, and wherever I finish, I finish. That would be a good place for me to get to before I play next week.”

All eyes will be on the veteran and company, while he searches for new life and victory.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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