Collin Morikawa has officially withdrawn from the Players Championship due to a back injury. This decision was made early Thursday morning after he experienced discomfort shortly after beginning his tournament round.
Collin Morikawa’s Withdrawal Details
Morikawa, a two-time major champion, played only one hole before calling it quits. While teeing off on the 11th hole, he attempted a full-speed practice swing and immediately felt pain in his back. He described the moment, stating, “I felt fine in warm-up. No signs of back problems. I just knew it was gone.”
The star golfer, who has previously dealt with similar issues, called for a trainer while grimacing in pain. After assessing his condition, he decided to withdraw from the Players Championship.
Previous Injuries and Performance
Back problems are not new for Morikawa. In 2021, he faced troubles during the Tokyo Olympics and had to withdraw from the Memorial tournament in 2023. Despite these challenges, he had shown promising form prior to his withdrawal.
- Morikawa has secured three top-10 finishes this season.
- He won the Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year.
- Last week, he finished fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
At just 29 years old, Morikawa is currently leading the FedEx Cup standings and had expressed confidence in his performance leading into the season. He noted his focus on physical fitness during the offseason, stating, “I put a lot of work into my body just to get stronger, healthier, and fitter.”
As he steps away from the Players Championship, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this injury affects his season moving forward. Morikawa’s commitment to recovery will play a crucial role in his return to competitive golf.
