Schauffele, 29, the sixth-ranked player in the world, was one over par for the day and two under for the tournament when he withdrew after completing the par-3 eighth hole. He receives last-place unofficial earnings of $200,000 but won’t get FedEx Cup points.
Winner at Kapalua in 2019 when he shot a closing 11-under 62, Schauffele opened with a three-under 70 on Thursday, a respectable effort considering his limitations. Nevertheless, he was none too happy to be handicapped getting around the Plantation Course at less than 100 percent and trailing a trio of leaders by six shots amid ideal scoring conditions that featured little wind and soft greens.
The seven-time PGA Tour winner first encountered back problems last month at the Hero World Challenge, where he finished fourth, but he said that he experienced no discomfort in the interim between then and his arrival on Maui.
Schauffele said he has an MRI scheduled on Jan. 12 at home in San Diego, “but I’m moving that up.” Given the uncertainties with his condition, there was no timetable for his return.