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 pull out. He was seen stretching in pain on the 11th hole, which ultimately led to his decision to withdraw from the event.
This was Morikawa’s sixth appearance at The Players Championship, and he was considered one of the favorites to win. His recent form had been strong, having finished fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational the week prior and winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier in the season.
Prior to this event, Morikawa had recorded 13 consecutive rounds under par, showcasing his skill and consistency on the course. However, the lingering back issues he has faced in 2021 and 2023 have raised concerns about his health.
“It’s just the worst thing in the world,” Morikawa expressed, reflecting on the frustration of dealing with injuries. He added, “It’s just frustrating, because I don’t know what caused it,” highlighting the unpredictability of his condition.
After withdrawing, Morikawa was carted back to the clubhouse, a stark reminder of the challenges athletes face when injuries strike unexpectedly. At just 29 years old, he has already faced significant hurdles in his career, but his resilience remains evident.
As the tournament progresses without him, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this injury affects Morikawa’s future performances. His ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial as he aims to return to top form.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of his injury and his recovery timeline. The golfing community will be hoping for a swift return to the course for Morikawa, who has proven to be a formidable competitor when healthy.