Xander Schauffele's return to the Arnold Palmer Invitational aroused positive emotions among golf fans, who eagerly awaited his return. The popular golfer did amazing things last year, finishing the season as No. 2 on the OWGR list. This year, he has even stronger ambitions.
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However, a rib injury stopped Schauffele from taking an important step at the beginning of the season, missing two tournaments. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old is returning to golf courses, and will perform at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Bay Hill is always a tough challenge, and Schauffele tries to be cautious.
"I wouldn't call it, like, the dream place to come back to, to be completely honest," Schauffele said, as quoted by ESPN.
"Everyone knows what Bay Hill gives you -- it takes a lot more than it gives -- and you have to earn every par or birdie or bogey that you make. It's a tough place."
Schauffele admitted that he is not in the best possible position at the moment, but points out that he is preparing mentally to convince himself that he is still in great shape. He focuses on low expectations, but with serious concentration, to get the best out of the current situation.
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It reminds of great athletes who had to take a break, then came back and played great again. Schauffele feels that, like Scottie Scheffler who came back from injury and although he was not able to win, he still played solidly and got back into the game, he can do the same.
Scottie Scheffler on injuries
Scottie Scheffler stressed that coming back from injury is challenging, but he is quite happy to see Schauffele back on the golf courses.
"I think it's challenging any time you're coming off an injury," Scheffler said.
"That first time you step back out inside the ropes, it's different playing competition tournament golf, and there's definitely challenges to it and it takes a little bit of time to get used to.
