Collin Morikawa Withdraws from Players Championship
“I felt fine in warm-up. Like no signs of back problems. And teed it up on 11, and took one practice swing, and I just knew it was gone,” said Collin Morikawa after withdrawing from the Players Championship due to a back injury.
The incident occurred on the 11th hole during the opening round, where Morikawa was seen stretching in pain before deciding to pull out of the event. This withdrawal is particularly disappointing as Morikawa entered the week as the FedEx Cup leader and had been in strong form, with three top-10 finishes this season.
This was Morikawa’s sixth appearance at The Players Championship, a tournament he had hoped to perform well in following his recent victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month. Just a week prior, he finished in fifth place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, showcasing his competitive edge.
Morikawa, who is 29 years old, had been on a remarkable streak, recording 13 consecutive rounds under par before his withdrawal. However, the back issues are a concern, as he has dealt with similar problems in the past, including during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and in 2023.
“It’s just frustrating, because I don’t know what caused it,” Morikawa expressed, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his condition. He added, “Trust me, I would play if I could. It’s just the worst thing in the world.”
Morikawa’s situation will be closely monitored as he recovers. The golf community is eager to see how this injury may affect his performance in upcoming tournaments.
As of now, details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of the injury and Morikawa’s expected timeline for recovery. Fans and analysts alike will be watching for updates on his condition and future participation in the PGA Tour.