Jay Monahan has message for Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele ahead of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines

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Jordan Spieth provided the PGA Tour with a much-needed boost during last weekend’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.

The three-time major winner is a popular figure among golf fans, and Spieth’s presence near the top of the leaderboard undoubtedly improved interest in the event.

Playing just his second PGA Tour event after returning from injury, few anticipated such an impressive display from Spieth. The American eventually finished in a tie for fourth, eight shots back of runaway winner Thomas Detry.

Spieth will play in this week’s Genesis Invitational, and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan discussed the former Masters champ during his pre-tournament press conference at Torrey Pines.

Jay Monahan has message for Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele

Speaking to the press, Monahan spoke about last week’s event in Phoenix and admitted it was nice to see Spieth back to his entertaining best.

“I think the one thing that I’m most proud of from last week is if you go back to a year ago, that Saturday, we had some pretty significant security and logistical challenges. Chance Cosby, Matt Mooney, the team at Thunderbirds came up to Los Angeles and sat down with our Player Advisory Council, listened to the players and said we’re going to make changes. What they did was change and enhance the experience for fans, change and enhance the experience for players,” Monahan said.

“I thought it just created an awesome atmosphere. It was great to see Thomas Detry, someone you all witnessed last year put himself in contention on a number of 3 occasions, I think no one was surprised to see him come forward and win and win in the manner that he did.

“To have Daniel Berger being Daniel Berger and rising up the leaderboard on Sunday was nice to see. Having Jordan Spieth being Jordan Spieth on the 11th hole was also really nice to see. Certainly love that.”

The PGA Tour commissioner also sent a message to Xander Schauffele. The world number two is currently recovering from an injury that has seen him sidelined since the season opener at The Sentry.

Monahan added: “We’re here in San Diego. I just want to acknowledge that we miss Xander Schauffele. We’re looking forward to his healthy return and hope that that’s soon.”

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Jordan Spieth injury update

Spieth’s performance at TPC Scottsdale was all the more impressive, considering he’s still recovering from wrist surgery.

Spieth has admitted the issue still impacts him after his wrist locked up during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

This week’s event at Torrey Pines will be a good measure of the condition of Spieth’s wrist. Thick rough will test the PGA Tour’s best this week, and the three-time major champ may be left with some testing lies.

What’s more, cooler weather could make life trickier. Spieth admitted the warmer conditions massively helped his wrist in Phoenix.

When will Xander Schauffele return to the PGA Tour

Schauffele’s injury situation looks a lot more bleak, unfortunately. Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis reported that the American was targeting the WM Phoenix Open as a return date.

Now, with the world number two not in the Genesis Invitational field, the injury could be worse than first feared.

With three less significant events following this week’s Torrey Pines renewal, Schauffele may be wise to take an extended break and return for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the start of March.