World No. 4 Collin Morikawa Withdraws from The Players Championship with Back Injury
Professional golfer Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 4 in the world, withdrew from The Players Championship on Thursday due to a back injury. The two-time major champion retired after completing one hole of play, citing lower back pain that developed following a practice swing.
Details of Withdrawal
Morikawa experienced discomfort after taking a practice swing on the par-5 11th hole, which was scheduled as his second hole of the day. He reported feeling his back tighten, stating that it became impossible for him to swing through the ball.
"It became impossible for him to swing through the ball."
Morikawa indicated that he had felt fine during his warm-up and had not experienced any recent or prior indications of back problems. Following the onset of the pain, Morikawa consulted with his trainer and caddie before deciding to withdraw from the tournament.
He noted that he recognized the sensation from similar back issues he has encountered in the past, which have previously resulted in him being sidelined.
Golfer's Recent Context and Outlook
During the offseason, Morikawa had focused on strengthening his body. Earlier this year, he ended a 28-month win drought at Pebble Beach. This was followed by a tie for seventh place at Riviera and a tie for fifth place at Bay Hill last week.
Regarding his current condition, Morikawa mentioned his back felt tender but he retained mobility, provided he avoided heavy lifting or swinging a golf club.
Morikawa mentioned his back felt tender but he retained mobility, provided he avoided heavy lifting or swinging a golf club.
He anticipates a period of recovery.
Tournament Impact and Other Withdrawals
Morikawa's withdrawal marks the second instance of a high-profile player being affected by back issues this week. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy previously withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to back spasms, and his participation in The Players Championship had been described as a game-time decision.
Separately, Ryan Fox also withdrew from The Players Championship earlier due to an illness. As Morikawa had already commenced play, he was not replaced in the field.