(VIDEO) Collin Morikawa Withdraws from 2026 Players Championship After One Hole Due to Back Injury

Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa withdrew from The Players Championship on Thursday after playing just one hole, citing a back injury that flared up during a practice swing on the second tee.

The 29-year-old Californian, who entered the week as the FedExCup points leader and one of the tournament favorites, made par on the opening par-4 10th at TPC Sawgrass before experiencing discomfort. On the par-5 11th tee — his second hole — Morikawa grimaced while taking a warmup swing, then stretched and consulted with a trainer. After a few more attempts to swing, he officially withdrew, according to PGA Tour officials and on-course announcers.

“It’s a tough break for Collin and for the tournament,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a brief statement. “He’s been playing some of the best golf of his career this season, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Morikawa, ranked No. 5 in the world, had been in strong form heading into The Players. He won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, tied for seventh at the Genesis Invitational and finished solo fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Those results propelled him to the top of the FedExCup standings, giving him momentum as one of the hottest players early in 2026.

The withdrawal comes as a surprise blow to the field at the PGA Tour’s flagship event, often called the “fifth major,” which features a $25 million purse and 750 FedExCup points for the winner. Morikawa was among the pre-tournament picks to contend, with his precision iron play and ball-striking well-suited to the demanding Stadium Course designed by Pete Dye.

This marks the latest in a history of back issues for Morikawa. He dealt with lingering problems during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and withdrew from the 2023 Memorial Tournament due to similar discomfort. Back ailments are common in golf due to the rotational stress of the swing, and Morikawa has worked with trainers to manage the condition.

No immediate timeline for his return was provided. The next major is the Masters in April, and Morikawa — a former PGA Championship and Open Championship winner — will likely prioritize recovery to be ready for Augusta National.

The incident overshadowed the opening round at TPC Sawgrass, where play began under partly cloudy skies with light winds. Other top players, including Rory McIlroy, who arrived late after dealing with his own back concerns from the prior week, teed off later in the day. McIlroy called his status a “game-time decision” but proceeded to play after treatment.

Morikawa’s exit opens the door wider for contenders like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Åberg, who were grouped with him in the early wave. Åberg and Si Woo Kim continued without their partner after the withdrawal.

Fans expressed disappointment on social media, with many noting Morikawa’s surge this season made him a must-watch. His iron accuracy ranks among the Tour’s best, and TPC Sawgrass rewards precision on approach shots and around the infamous island-green 17th.

The Players Championship continues through Sunday, March 15, with the cut after 36 holes. Morikawa’s WD means no official score for the week, preserving his FedExCup lead for now, though strong performances by chasers like Akshay Bhatia or others could close the gap.

Morikawa’s team has not commented beyond the official withdrawal. He is expected to undergo further evaluation in the coming days.

The abrupt end to his week highlights the physical demands of professional golf and the fine line between peak performance and injury. For a player who has quietly built one of the most consistent games on Tour, the hope is rest and rehab will have him back swinging soon.