This week marks a crucial moment in the countdown to the 2025 Ryder Cup, stirring excitement and speculation among fans and analysts alike. With the BMW PGA Championship underway at Wentworth featuring 11 of the 12 European team members, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Meanwhile, on the PGA Tour, the Procore Championship in Arizona will see 10 U.S. players competing, but two notable absences have left the golf world buzzing.
Among those missing from the Procore lineup is Bryson DeChambeau, sidelined due to the PGA Tour’s restrictions on LIV golfers. The other absence, however, has sent shockwaves through the golf community: world number three Xander Schauffele has opted out, and the reasons behind his decision remain shrouded in mystery.
Smylie Kaufman, a former PGA Tour player, has expressed his concerns regarding Schauffele’s unexpected absence. He voiced his disappointment, stating, “My first storyline is Xander Schauffele not playing. That was a player I was kind of looking forward to seeing compete, as he didn’t make the Tour Championship, as everybody recalls.” Kaufman’s remarks underline the uncertainty surrounding Schauffele’s readiness for the Ryder Cup, especially given that he hasn’t played competitively in over a month by the time the tournament rolls around.
The implications of Schauffele’s decision are significant. “So he is even further away from his last start when he shows up to the Ryder Cup,” Kaufman added. “It is going to be a full month before Xander plays a competitive round again.” This raises alarming questions about his form and fitness, which could impact Team USA’s strategy and success in the Ryder Cup.
Kaufman speculates that Schauffele might have prior commitments, but he doubts the star golfer will compete the week leading up to the Ryder Cup. This lack of preparation could leave Schauffele with “question marks heading into the Ryder Cup,” a scenario that could hinder the U.S. team’s chances. The looming question of who will step up as the reliable number two player is also critical. While many would assume Bryson DeChambeau would take on that role, his own limited participation raises concerns about how prepared he will be.
The stakes are even higher considering the recent form of Schauffele. While his performances are certainly commendable compared to most players on the tour, they fall short of expectations for someone ranked among the top five globally. With only two top-20 finishes in his last five tournaments, including a disappointing tie for 28th at the BMW Championship, Schauffele’s form casts a shadow over his upcoming participation.
As he prepares to miss the Procore Championship, Schauffele is set to arrive at Bethpage Black with more than a month since his last competitive appearance. The ramifications of this extended break could be significant, potentially leading U.S. captain Keegan Bradley to reconsider Schauffele’s role within the team. As the golf world watches closely, the narrative surrounding Schauffele will undoubtedly evolve—will he rise to the occasion, or will this absence prove detrimental to Team USA’s ambitions at the Ryder Cup? Only time will reveal the answers.
