Scottie Scheffler has withdrawn from The American Express Championship as he continues to recover from a hand injury.
The world number one sustained a “puncture wound” to the palm of his right hand while preparing dinner on Christmas Day and required surgery.
Scheffler’s manager Blake Smith suggested at the time that the 28-year-old would be out for three to four weeks, and he withdrew from The Sentry, the opening tournament of the season.
While Scheffler had been due to tee it up at The American Express in California next week, he took to Instagram on Monday to confirm he is not yet ready to return to action.
He posted: “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.
“I am still hopeful to begin my 2025 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am.”
The tournament at Pebble Beach begins on January 30 and is one Scheffler finished in a tie for sixth in last year.
The American enjoyed a dominant 2024, with his tally of seven PGA titles the most won in a single season since Tiger Woods in 2007.
Scheffler’s first title defence this year will come at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which starts on March 6, before he then attempts to win The Players for the third year in a row.
Scheffler will also be the defending champion for the first major of the year, having eased his way to a four-shot Masters win at Augusta National last April.
