Xander Schauffele admits he had a ‘wake up call’ during his practice round at Bay Hill ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational

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Xander Schauffele is making only his second PGA Tour start of 2025 at this weekend’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

After finishing T30 at the season-opener at Kapalua, Schauffele has been sidelined with an intercostal muscle tear. Given the location of the muscle, recovery from such an issue can be challenging.

However, Schauffele played New York GC’s latest TGL fixture on Monday evening and is now ramping up his return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Bay Hill, as is usually the case, promises to provide a stern examination of the world’s best players this week. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg and Justin Thomas are also in action.

And after playing a practice round on Tuesday, Schauffele is not under any illusions about the test he will face this weekend.

Xander Schauffele’s practice round at Bay Hill

Speaking to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, Schauffele admitted that the Bay Hill’s back nine was brutal.

“I played nine holes on a par-three course with JT, and then I played 18 holes with some of the boys in Jupiter. Then, I had my TGL match yesterday, so I am hot and ready,” Schauffele said.

“Good thing Bay Hill is pretty easy! It was a brutal nine holes I just played and a good wake-up call for me. Like I said, I am going to have to go to a special place mentally.”

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Xander Schauffele delivers injury update from Bay Hill

Schauffele also revealed that his strain is now all clear after having multiple MRI scans with various specialists.

“Just a small tear, that’s what the radiologist told me,” Schauffele added. “Like I said, I have had two MRIs, a CT scan, and an ultrasound, and everything has come back clean. So it’s all in my head.”

With Bay Hill’s rough set to be very thick this week, the American’s body will be tested to the limit. For Schauffele, coming through the Arnold Palmer Invitational unscathed will be the goal.

The Players Championship follows next week before attention firmly turns to Augusta National and the first major championship of the year.