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, where Morikawa, who is 29 years old, was seen stretching in pain before deciding to pull out of the event. This was his sixth appearance at The Players Championship, and he entered the week as the FedEx Cup leader.
Morikawa’s recent form had been strong, highlighted by a fifth-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational just a week prior and three top-10 finishes this season. He had also won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month, showcasing his competitive edge.
Despite his recent successes, Morikawa’s withdrawal marks a significant setback. “It’s just frustrating, because I don’t know what caused it,” he expressed, reflecting on the unexpected nature of the injury.
Before withdrawing, Morikawa had played only one hole in the opening round and had managed to maintain a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive rounds under par. His performance had positioned him as a strong contender in the tournament.
Morikawa’s history with back issues dates back to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and has resurfaced in 2023, raising concerns about his physical condition. “Trust me, I would play if I could. It’s just the worst thing in the world,” he added, emphasizing his disappointment.
As the tournament progresses without him, fans and analysts will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and future participation in upcoming events.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Morikawa’s injury and the expected timeline for his return to competitive play.
