2023 Champions League: Xander Schauffele withdraws from Kapalua due to back injury

Xander Schauffele withdrew from the 2023 Champions League on Friday midway through his second round at The Plantation Course in Kapalua. Citing some back discomfort at the start of the week, the pain eventually hit and forced him out of the tournament.

The 2019 champion was clearly uncomfortable for the duration of the first round before eventually signing a 3 under 70 but hoped some overnight work would allow him to see the finish line. Trying to compete in pain and only turning at 80%, Schauffele couldn’t take it anymore. Calling out on the ninth hole of the second round, Schauffele will seek to heal her back against a West Coast adult swing in the continental United States.

Schauffele is currently committing to play at The American Express the week of January 16, which will be his first game in Palm Springs since 2017. Not considered an advanced event in the new schedule. On the PGA Tour, The American Express will count as one of three tournaments that Schauffele is required to compete in in addition to the 13 advanced events.

29 years old is Expect to get an MRI next week to identify the problem area in his back. After being fully diagnosed, the world No. 6 will quickly return after entering 2023 with a three-time victory in the last 12 starts on the PGA Tour in 2022.