Scottie Scheffler makes shock decision to pull out of his first tournament of 2025… and here’s why
Scottie Scheffler has further delayed the start of his 2025 season and devastated fans by withdrawing from the American Express 2025 tournament in California next week.
The world number 1, who enjoyed a dominant 2024 that saw him win his second major at the Masters and gold at the Olympics, underwent hand surgery over Christmas to repair a puncture.
Curiously, the American injured his hand while preparing Christmas dinner for his family, leading to a medical procedure and withdrawal from the season-opening Sentry tournament in Hawaii.
He had planned to return to the event in Palm Desert, California, from January 16 to 19, but has now confirmed he will not be participating there either.
In a statement on Instagram, he confirmed the news and revealed that he hopes to be ready in time for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
“After consulting with my medical team,” Scheffler’s statement began, “I have made the decision to withdraw from next week’s American Express Tournament to allow my injury more time to heal.
“I’m still hopeful that I can start my 2025 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.”
Fans will have to wait a little longer to see Scottie Scheffler play a tournament in 2025
Scheffler was handed a piece of glass while preparing Christmas dinner for his family
That tournament in California starts on January 30, giving the world No. 1 player the rest of this month before he plans to step onto the first tee in an attempt to win his first tournament of the year.
There is a $20 million prize pool available for the event, the largest of the season to date, and it is one of the PGA Tour’s signature events.
From there, the calendar moves on to the Genesis Invitational, where another $20 million is up for grabs.
Last year, Scheffler won his first tournament in March at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, before winning the Players Championship a week later.