Shoply's 'COVID-19 Response': "Rest Instead of Training~"

Since the 13th of last month, 'Bangkok' at home in California "Two weeks are enough to get a feel for real shots" confidence

Xander Schauffele is waiting for the season to resume with rest instead of training amid the spread of COVID-19.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Don't practice, just rest."

This is the way Xander Schauffele (USA), ranked 12th in the world, is coping with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). While most players have started 'solo training,' Schauffele chose to rest. In a recent interview with Golf.com, he said, "I don't know when I will return," and described it as "a very strange time without purpose." He has not held a golf club since the first round of The Players Championship on the 13th of last month. This is the longest break since his debut on the PGA Tour in 2017.

Schauffele, who said, "I've been staying at home since The Players was canceled," introduced his current status, saying, "I am doing my part during the spread of COVID-19," and "It's unfortunate, but still at home." He is living with his girlfriend, younger brother, and pet dog in a 2,000-square-foot (56.21-pyeong) house in Bakersfield, California. He is spending time playing various board games. He added, "This is an unfamiliar situation for me, who is used to life on the field."

Although this break was unplanned, he is not worried. This is because he is confident that "two weeks is enough preparation time for competition." He emphasized, "My short game and bunker shots are not bad," and "It won't take long to regain my old form." It is noteworthy that Schauffele was on the rise before the tour was suspended due to COVID-19. In eight tournaments, he entered the top 25 seven times, including two runner-up finishes. He is currently 11th in the money rankings ($2.39 million) and 12th in the FedEx Cup points rankings.

Schauffele is a long hitter despite his small stature of 177 cm, with an average driving distance of 306.4 yards (37th). In addition, he has a 'piercing iron shot' with a greens in regulation rate of 72.22% (9th), and is a clutch player with a 100% putting success rate within 3 feet (91 cm). Since joining the PGA Tour in 2017, he has won twice at the Greenbrier Classic and the Tour Championship, and last year he collected a total of four wins including the World Golf Championships (WGC) HSBC Champions and the season-ending Sentry Tournament of Champions.