Collin Morikawa’s Withdrawal
“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 March 12, 2026, at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where Morikawa was competing in his sixth appearance at this prestigious event. He had entered the tournament as the FedEx Cup leader, showcasing a strong season with three top-10 finishes, including a fifth-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational just a week prior.
Morikawa, 29, had been in excellent form, having recorded 13 consecutive rounds under par before his withdrawal. However, during the opening round, he was seen stretching in pain on the 11th hole before deciding to pull out of the competition.
“It’s just frustrating, because I don’t know what caused it,” Morikawa expressed, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his injury. He added, “Trust me, I would play if I could. It’s just the worst thing in the world.”
Prior to this event, Morikawa had recently won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, further establishing himself as a top competitor in the sport. His performance this season had been promising, but this injury raises concerns about his immediate future in professional golf.
Morikawa’s history with back issues dates back to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and resurfaced in 2023, making this latest setback particularly concerning. As he navigates this injury, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and return to the course.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Morikawa’s injury and any potential timeline for his return to competitive play.
