World number one Scottie Scheffler has withdrawn from The American Express tournament as he continues to recover from a hand injury sustained whilst preparing Christmas dinner.
It marks the American's second withdrawal of 2025, having already pulled out of The Sentry event in Hawaii earlier this month.
The 28-year-old required surgery after cutting his hand on broken glass during Christmas Day food preparation.
The tournament at La Quinta Country Club, scheduled for January 13-19, will now proceed without the world's top-ranked golfer.
Taking to Instagram, Scheffler explained his decision to withdraw from the tournament.
"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," he wrote.
The world number one remains optimistic about making his 2025 season debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
"I am still hopeful to begin my 2025 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am," Scheffler added.
The Pebble Beach tournament is scheduled to begin on January 30.
Scheffler's initial withdrawal came from The Sentry tournament in Hawaii, which ran from January 2 to 5.
The injury occurred when the golfer sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand whilst preparing Christmas Day dinner.
His manager Blake Smith had initially suggested a recovery period of three to four weeks following surgery.
The world number one's next scheduled title defence would come at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, starting March 6.
He will then attempt to win The Players Championship for the third consecutive year.
Scheffler enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, claiming seven PGA Tour victories - a feat not achieved since Tiger Woods in 2007.
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He became the first player to win The Players Championship, The Masters and FedExCup in the same season.
His Masters triumph at Augusta National in April secured him a second green jacket in three years.
Scheffler dominated the season-ending Tour Championship, maintaining the top position throughout all four days.
His historic year also included victories at the Memorial Tournament and Travelers Championship, as well as securing gold for Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
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