NEW YORK – World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has withdrawn from the upcoming PGA Tour tournament at La Quinta, California, as he continues to recover from a hand injury suffered in a Christmas cooking accident.

“After consulting with my medical team, I have made the decision to withdraw from next week’s American Express tournament to give my injury more time to heal,” the American said in an Instagram post on Jan 6.

“I am still hopeful to begin my 2025 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am (which is scheduled to begin Jan 30).”

The 28-year-old had already withdrawn from The Sentry, which was won on Jan 5 by Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama.

He had planned to play in La Quinta in the American Express event starting on Jan 16.

Scheffler’s manager had said in a statement earlier in January that the American golf star suffered a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass, while preparing a meal on Christmas Day.

He needed surgery to remove glass fragments from the wound, and a full recovery was expected within four weeks.

Scheffler has just enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in PGA Tour history winning seven tournaments on the tour – the first player to reach that tally since Tiger Woods in 2007.

He was also voted the PGA Tour Player of the Year for the third consecutive year.

Scheffler won his second Masters green jacket, Paris Olympic gold, the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship and FedExCup play-offs and The Players Championship in 2024.

In other golf news, the parents of late PGA Tour player Grayson Murray announced the launch of a foundation in their son’s honour on Jan 6.

Murray, who took his life at age 30 on May 25, 2024, was open about his battles with anxiety, depression and addiction. The nonprofit founded by Eric and Terry Murray will aim to raise awareness and support of mental health and addiction challenges that impact people from all walks of life.

“Grayson touched the hearts of so many by sharing his own mental health challenges,” Murray’s parents said in a statement issued by the Grayson Murray Foundation.

“He utilised his platform as a multi-time champion on the PGA Tour to reach and inspire those in need – and we are determined to continue his generosity and unwavering commitment to help make a difference in the lives of others.” REUTERS, AFP

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