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 2026 Players Championship due to a back injury.
Morikawa, who entered the tournament as the FedEx Cup leader, played only one hole before deciding to withdraw. He was seen stretching in pain on the 11th hole, which ultimately led to his decision to leave the event.
This marked Morikawa’s sixth appearance at The Players Championship, a tournament where he was considered one of the favorites to win. Prior to this event, he had been in excellent form, finishing fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational the week before and winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier in the season.
In a season where he had recorded 13 consecutive rounds under par, the sudden injury has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Morikawa has had lingering back issues in 2021 and 2023, making this latest setback particularly frustrating for him.
“It’s just the worst thing in the world,” Morikawa expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of the injury. He further elaborated, stating, “It’s just frustrating, because I don’t know what caused it.”
After withdrawing, Morikawa was carted back to the clubhouse, leaving many to wonder about the severity of his condition and its potential impact on his season.
As the golf community awaits further updates, Morikawa’s situation serves as a reminder of the physical challenges athletes face, even at the peak of their careers. His performance in upcoming tournaments will be closely monitored as he navigates this injury.
