PGA Tour golfer sidelined for several months after breaking elbow

PGA Tour golfer Matti Schmid has been sidelined for several months after breaking his elbow.

The 28-year-old revealed that he sustained the injury in "a fall". 

Schmid said he has been forced to withdraw from his upcoming tournaments while he focuses on making a full recovery.

"I wanted to share some unfortunate news," Schmid wrote in a statement posted to his Instagram. "I recently had a fall and broke my elbow.

"Because of this, I'll be stepping back from golf for a few months to focus on a full recovery, and I've had to withdraw from my upcoming tournaments.

"It's tough being sidelined, but I'm focused on coming back stronger."

Schmid did not provide a specific timetable for his return to competition.

The injury comes after a breakthrough season for the German, who has established himself as a regular presence on the PGA Tour and climbed to 86th in the world rankings.

His standout performance came at the PGA Championship in May, when he played in the final pairing at Aronimink Golf Club alongside American Alex Smalley. 

Schmid entered the final round two shots behind Smalley but came up short as Aaron Rai pulled clear and became the first Englishman to lift the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919. 

The result marked the biggest stage of Schmid’s professional career to that point. 

He had also recorded a tied-fifth finish at the Puerto Rico Open and a tied-ninth at the Cognizant Classic earlier in the season.

Schmid, who turned professional in 2021 after playing college golf at the University of Louisville, was named the European Tour's Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year that season.

The elbow injury now brings an abrupt halt to his 2026 campaign, with the German facing several months away from competitive golf.

Despite the setback, Schmid struck an optimistic tone in his announcement.

"I'm incredibly grateful to have such amazing people around me, taking care of me and supporting me through this," he added.

"Thank you all so much for your support and understanding, it truly means a lot.

"See you back on the course soon."