Collins Morikawa Withdraws from PGA Tour's Flagship Event

Collin Morikawa out of Players Championship due to back pain

World number four Collin Morikawa withdraws from The Players Championship with a back injury after just one hole. Morikawa suffers back injury, withdraws from PGA Tour's flagship event.

Morikawa forced to withdraw from TPC Sawgrass with back issue...

Collin Morikawa, the world number four, has withdrawn from The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, due to a back injury. He completed only one hole, parring the par-four 10th hole, before withdrawing at the tee of the par-five 11th hole.

Morikawa, a two-time major champion, was considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. He had been playing well, winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month and finishing fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The back injury, which occurred during a practice swing, has forced him to withdraw from the tournament.

Collin Morikawa has withdrawn from @THEPLAYERS. pic.twitter.com/HsffCRoKH4

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 12, 2026

Collin Morikawa took a practice swing at the 11th tee and immediately felt pain, reaching for his back with his right arm. He got into a golf cart, removed his hat, and looked frustrated, placing his arms on his head as he left the course.

Morikawa had been on a roll, winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month and scoring top-10 finishes at the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational. This back injury ends his momentum, at least temporarily.