PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. β In what can only be described as a golfer's nightmare, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa's week at The Players Championship ended almost before it began. The 27-year-old withdrew from the prestigious tournament Thursday after completing just one hole, succumbing to debilitating lower back pain that struck during a routine practice swing.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded on the par-5 11th hole at TPC Sawgrass, where Morikawa started his round. After taking a practice swing, the former world No. 2 immediately reached for his lower back, signaling distress to his playing partners and officials. Despite attempts to continue, the pain proved too severe for the California native to carry on.
This withdrawal marks another setback in what has been a challenging period for Morikawa, who has been working to regain his peak form after a relatively quiet 2023 season. The timing is particularly unfortunate given The Players Championship's status as one of golf's premier events, often called the sport's "fifth major."
Tournament officials confirmed the withdrawal, with Morikawa expected to seek medical evaluation to determine the extent of the injury. His team has not yet provided a timeline for his return to competition, leaving fans wondering about his availability for upcoming tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule.
