PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Collin Morikawa withdrew from the Players Championship early Thursday morning due to a back injury.
The two-time major champion and winner of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am this season had only completed one hole in his opening round when he took a full-speed practice swing on the 11th tee and then stepped back.
Morikawa, who was considered one of the favorites at TPC Sawgrass this week, reached for his back and grimaced before requesting a trainer. He spent some time evaluating his condition before being taken off the golf course and officially withdrawing from the event.
Morikawa also experienced some persistent back issues in 2021 during the Tokyo Olympics and in 2023, which led to his withdrawal from the Memorial tournament that year.
Earlier this week, Morikawa discussed how his recent performance has been supported by an offseason dedicated to improving his physical condition.
“Honestly, coming into this year I had a lot of confidence,” Morikawa stated. “I put a lot of work into my body just to get stronger in general, get healthier, get strong, get fitter.”
The 29-year-old, who currently leads the FedEx Cup standings, has achieved three top-10 finishes this season and had been displaying some of the best form he has shown in recent years. In addition to his victory at Pebble Beach earlier this year, he secured fifth place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week.
