RangeGoats’ Wolff returns from back injury, eyes strong finish to the season

ROCESTER, England – Matthew Wolff ’s pursuit of a second consecutive finish in LIV Golf’s Lock Zone took a detour the last few weeks due to back issues that flared up last month in Virginia. But he returns to the RangeGoats GC lineup this week at LIV Golf UK by JCB in better health and ready to make a big push for the remainder of the season.

“Hoping to finish these last four events strong, make a run and get some good momentum heading into the offseason,” Wolff said. “Then put a lot of work in this offseason and come back stronger next season.”

The 26-year-old Wolff had to withdraw from the Virginia event after his first eight holes in the opening round with a back injury. An MRI later diagnosed the issue as an annular tear with a deep strain in the multifidus muscle, along with a degenerative disc. He was unable to play in either of LIV Golf’s last two events in Dallas and Andalucía.

Although Wolff missed the opportunity to compile points for the season-long individual championship race, his absence was not crippling, as he dropped just six spots in the standings, from 32nd to 38th in the last three events. Last year, in his first season with Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats GC, he finished 18th in the standings, well inside the top 24 Lock Zone players who earn guaranteed playing privileges for the following season.

Being forced to the sidelines allowed Wolff to grasp the importance of maintaining a healthy body – an even more difficult task for him especially given the violent power he swings with off the tee.

“A lot of people struggle with back problems and stuff out here,” said Wolff, who finished solo sixth at LIV Golf Korea, his most recent result. “I’m still young and this is a little bit of a wake-up call, to take a little bit better care of my body, just keep an eye on some things. In a sport like this, with so much twisting and especially how hard I go at the ball, I think you’ve got to be aware that some things might flare up. If you’re not doing the proper things in order to make sure you feel good, your core is strong and all those little things, it’ll catch up to you.”

Wolff’s return should provide a jolt for the RangeGoats, who finished 12th and 13th in their two tournaments without the big-hitting right-hander. Although the Valderrama course in Andalucía does not set up well for the RangeGoats’ power game – Wolff, Peter Uihlein and captain Bubba Watson each rank inside the top 13 of driving distance this season – Wolff said it was tough to watch his team finish last in Spain.

“It’s not really the course for us, but it still hurt, watching on TV,” Wolff said. “I wanted to be out there and help the team, and I was doing everything in my power to get back as soon as possible.

“I definitely don’t want to take for granted any of those opportunities. I definitely love being out here. Definitely love playing. Competing. I want to be out here not only for myself but also for the RangeGoats. I enjoy the banter and everything with them in practice rounds as well as competing alongside them in tournaments.”

A year ago, Wolff tied for sixth at JCB, shooting 67-68-69 to finish at 6 under. He comes back refreshed and with positive vibes.

“I like the course,” he said. “Hopefully I can feel good and just focus on my game rather than my health.”