With the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black fast approaching, Team USA’s final preparations took a curious turn when Xander Schauffele, one of the squad’s most reliable performers, opted out of the Procore Championship set to take place at Napa, Calif.
Scheduled for Sept. 11-14, the event was planned as a competitive warm-up for Team USA, with 10 of the 12 players confirming their participation.
Schauffele’s absence, however, sparked speculation and concern, especially given captain Keegan Bradley’s push for full-team involvement to avoid the kind of sluggish start that cost the Americans dearly in Rome two years ago.
Schauffele’s decision wasn’t injury-related. According to sources close to his camp, including the “Xander Schauffele Legion” account on X, the 31-year-old simply needed time away from the game.
“Just needs time away from golf right now. All is good. Ryder Cup next up!” the account posted on Sept. 5.
🚨–– Xander Schauffele is the only PGA Tour and US Ryder Cup team member who will skip next week’s Procore Championship.
With the good info I have, this is 100% not caused by him quitting on the team. Just needs time away from golf right now. All is good.
Ryder Cup next up! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Fcs4iZm8W1
— Xander Schauffele Legion (@XanderLegion) September 5, 2025
While the message aimed to calm nerves, it underscored the fact that Schauffele’s season has been turbulent.
After returning from injury in March, he made every cut but failed to qualify for the Tour Championship at East Lake for the first time in his career, a clear sign his form has dipped.
Bradley had encouraged his players to use the Procore Championship to stay sharp and build chemistry, especially after Team USA’s 4–0 loss in the opening session of the 2023 Ryder Cup.
While participation wasn’t mandatory, Schauffele’s absence, alongside Bryson DeChambeau, who remains ineligible due to his LIV Golf status, raised questions.
At the BMW Championship last month, Schauffele hinted at his internal conflict. “I wouldn’t say there’s an expectation for us to play, but a lot of us do want to play just to stay fresh, knock off some rust. I’ll have an even longer break, so we’ll see how that goes,” he told reporters.
With just weeks until the Ryder Cup begins on Sept. 26, Schauffele’s choice to prioritize rest over reps is a calculated risk.
His absence from Napa may not derail Team USA’s chances, but it does place added pressure on his performance at Bethpage Black.
What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comment section below!
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