Collin Morikawa withdraws from The Players Championship due to back injury

Collin Morikawa has withdrawn from The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass after just one hole of his opening round due to a back injury.

The FedExCup leader was among the pre-tournament favourites for the PGA Tour’s flagship event.

He began his Thursday round on the 10th hole alongside Ludvig Åberg and Si Woo Kim, opening with a routine two-putt par.

However, the two-time major champion experienced severe discomfort ahead of his second hole of the day.

Treatment on the tee

After making a practice swing on the par-five 11th tee, the American immediately clutched his lower back.

Medical personnel provided treatment next to the tee box before he was transported off the course in a buggy.

This marks only the second mid-round withdrawal of his professional career, following an early exit from The Memorial in 2023.

The Californian had been in scintillating form, securing victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month before adding two consecutive top-seven finishes.

“He would have had such high hopes this week, with the form he had coming in,” said broadcaster Nick Dougherty.

McIlroy faces nervous wait

Åberg and Kim were left to complete the remainder of their opening round as a two-ball.

The 27-year-old was not the only morning casualty, with New Zealand’s Ryan Fox pulling out through illness before striking a ball.

Meanwhile, defending champion Rory McIlroy remains a significant injury doubt heading into his title defence.

The world number two is nursing a back issue of his own and faces a late fitness test to determine if he can compete.

McIlroy only arrived at the Florida venue on Wednesday afternoon for a limited practice session, leaving him without a full preparation round.