Conversely, as one who has never dealt with a prolonged sabbatical, he noted that he took being healthy for granted. This revelation stuck, as years of uninterrupted play had obscured the fragility of athletic prime—a lesson many competitors only learn after it's too late.

Two majors made Xander Schauffele believe he was capable of winning them all. Two months out of golf with a rib injury is putting that belief to the test. Schauffele is more than capable of winning the Masters.

He is third in the official World Golf Rankings, has not missed a cut in almost forever, won the 2021 Olympic gold medal and owns a major-tournament record to envy. Yet, with only a few days before the 89th Masters, Xander Schauffele is almost anonymous in pre-tournament speculation.