Along with Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele has withdrawn from this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour.
A growing number of players have withdrawn from this week’s PGA Tour event, including Xander Schauffele.
On February 5th, Schauffele was listed as withdrawn from the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Viktor Hovland also made the decision earlier in the day to forego the yearly event at TPC Scottsdale. He gave no reason for his decision.
The official explanation is that, following a subpar start to the PGA Tour season, Hovland has made the decision to dedicate a week to improving his game.
In early January, Hovland, who is ranked fourth in the world, finished T-22 at The Sentry and then T-58 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Off the course, the Norwegian Ryder Cup star has undergone some changes.
At the start of the year, he fired longtime swing coach Joe Mayo and hired a former PGA Tour player in his place.
Naturally, there were theexpected rumors on social media that thegolfer was being considered for the latest LIV Golf signing.
As for Schauffele, he has played four events in 2024. He has recorded two top-10s finishes (The Sentry, Farmers Insurance Open and American Express).
Schauffele’s result at the weather-shortened AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was T-54.
Victor Perez took over in the field in place of Hovland. Sweden’s Alexander Bjork has taken Schauffele’s place.
Schauffele has also not given a reason for his withdrawal. The initial alternate on the list was Sami Valimaki.
The dates of the Waste Management Phoenix Open are February 8–11.
The $8 million total prize fund for the tournament will go to the winner, who will take home $1,584,000.
The reigning champion is Scottie Scheffler, ranked #1 in the world.
