Is Rory McIlroy going to take Xander Schauffele‘s spot? It was the summer of 2024 when the two stepped onto the Valhalla Golf Course. McIlroy was the second-best golfer in the world while Schauffele was playing catchup to him and Scottie Scheffler. Unlike the Irishman, the Californian had also not won a single major in his career. But that all changed in a 4 day period as Xander Schauffele won his first major, the 2024 PGA Championship. That was also when he surpassed Rory McIlroy.
No, Schauffele didn’t win his 27th PGA Tour title. It was only the 8th win of his career. But with that victory, Schauffele became the 2nd highest-ranked golfer in the world. He dethroned McIlroy from the spot and set his sights on Scheffler. But things seem to have taken a wild turn nearly a year later.
After holding the second place for nearly a year, it seems that Xander Schauffele is going to lose it next week. And who is he going to forfeit it to? None other than Rory McIlroy! The European’s victory at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach tournament helped him gain more points than his rival. However, McIlroy still had lower average OWGR points than Schauffele. But that will change on March 3, 2025.
Unfortunately, Schauffele hasn’t been able to go toe-to-toe with Rors as he is recovering from an injury. The current world no. 2 has been suffering from a rib injury since late 2024. He got it treated after The Sentry 2025. This led to him missing out on all the PGA Tour events since then.
— Xander Schauffele will drop to #3 in the Official World Golf Ranking in next week, as Rory McIlroy will just pass him for the #2 spot.
Xander will have the opportunity in his hopeful return at next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational to reclaim his position. pic.twitter.com/VifYRjWtI9
— Xander Schauffele Legion (@XanderLegion) February 25, 2025
However, if Xander Schauffele does come back for the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational next week, then he will get the opportunity to win his second spot back. We’re up for a rollercoaster of a ride on the Official World Golf Rankings if Schauffele ends up winning the signature event next week.
The post Rory McIlroy Gets Sweet Revenge Against Xander Schauffele as PGA Tour Pro Suffers Major Blow Amid Injury Recovery appeared first on EssentiallySports.
