In a Google+ Hangout hosted by the PGA TOUR today, Spencer Levin stated that he won't return this season.
Early in the chat, Levin was asked about his status as he continues to recover from surgery on his left thumb (detached ligament) in early October of 2012. "Just kind of been rehabbing that; tring to get that healthy," he said. "Should be back by the first tournament next year." Because the TOUR is evolving into a wraparound schedule, which will take some time for everyone to specify the difference between 'season' and 'year,' we'll pencil Levin in for the Frys.com Open on Oct. 10-13, 2013, which is next 'season.' His decision to sit out the entire year aligns with what his agent, Kevin Canning, said in early January. So, if you haven't already, it's time to set Levin free.

Spencer Levin is not listed in the published field of next week's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
While he teased us with an official commitment to this week's stop in Scottsdale before withdrawing early, the more relevant site for a potential return was at Pebble Beach. Alas, now that he won't compete in the tournament and with multiple stories citing that he'd probably sit out the entire year to begin 2013-14 anew with a full allotment of starts on a Major Medical Extension, it's reasonable to assume that this is his first option. Even if full-season gamers set him free, another owner is unlikely to pounce due to the fact that we've cleared this benchmark in his timetable. Levin would have to reverse his plan of attack to warrant ownership, and there haven't been any viable signs of that happening.

Spencer Levin has been removed from the published field of this week's Waste Management Phoenix Open.
When the field was released on Friday, he was at the top of the list of probables to pull out. While we relayed to you earlier this month that Levin may consider taking the entire year off to allow his surgically repaired left thumb to heal and start a season anew with a full allotment of starts via a Major Medical Extension, a new article at the Elk Grove Citizen on Jan. 17 cites that Levin's uncle, Bob, said that Spencer would, indeed, sit out the season. However, it's possible that Bob was merely reiterating one of Spencer's options. Stay tuned.

Spencer Levin is listed in the published field of next week's Waste Management Phoenix Open.
This is a surprise. We weren't expecting to see him commit to an event until Pebble Beach in two weeks. Of course, nothing matters until he sticks his peg in the ground on Thursday, but today's news is better than the alternative. Remember that he's taken additional time to recover from surgery on his left thumb and just might scrap the entire season if he can't give it a go.

Spencer Levin is eyeing the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am to return to competition, but he may not play at all during the 2013 season.
In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, Levin's agent, Kevin Canning said that if his client isn't completely ready to go, he might sit out the entire year due to the compressed schedule. Simply, with fewer tournaments, there's incentive to rest and heal and start 2013-14 anew with a medical extension. Levin has been sidelined since having surgery to repair a detached ligament in his left thumb. "He's able to play, Canning said, "and there's not a lot of discomfort, but (the thumb) is stiff and he's noticed a little weakness in it. He's flinching at impact and doesn't really trust it. Playing back-to-back (days) has been a problem, too."

Spencer Levin is not listed in the published field of next week's Sony Open in Hawaii.
When details about the surgery he had on his left thumb in October surfaced, the expectation was that Levin would be ready to compete at Waialae. Since returns from injury are often rescheduled, there's no alarm about his choice not to make the trip, but it doesn't relieve any concern for owners that drafted him over the holidays. Stay tuned.