Collin Morikawa Withdraws from Players Championship with Back Injury
World No. 4 Collin Morikawa withdrew from The Players Championship on Thursday after playing just one hole due to an apparent back injury. The two-time major champion visibly winced after a practice swing on the 11th hole at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, before leaving the course via cart. Morikawa, who won at Pebble Beach earlier this season, could not be replaced in the field as he had already started his round.
Key Takeaways:
- Collin Morikawa, ranked 4th globally, withdrew during the first round of The Players Championship.
- The withdrawal occurred after one hole when Morikawa grabbed his lower back following a practice swing.
- He was the second player to withdraw from the tournament, following Ryan Fox who cited illness.
Injury Strikes During Opening Hole
The incident unfolded on the par-5 11th hole during the opening round. Television footage showed Morikawa taking a practice swing, immediately reaching for his lower back, and attempting to stretch the area. After a brief consultation, he accepted a ride from a tournament official back to the clubhouse, ending his participation in the PGA Tour’s flagship event.
Morikawa’s Season Interrupted
The withdrawal represents a significant setback for the 27-year-old star, who had recently ended a 16-month PGA Tour victory drought with a win at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February. As a two-time major champion, Morikawa is a central figure in golf’s biggest events, and his absence diminishes the field at one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
Impact on Tournament Field and Standings
Morikawa’s early exit means he will receive no FedEx Cup points or prize money from the event, potentially affecting his position in the season-long standings. His withdrawal follows that of New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, who pulled out before his afternoon tee time due to illness, thinning the competition at the tournament boasting the largest purse in golf.
