Second LIV Golf star issues statement over pulling | Golf News

Lee Westwood has withdrawn from the opening two LIV Golf occasions, just days after Phil Mickelson made an similar choice.

The Majesticks GC co-captain has sidelined himself following Mickelson’s announcement, with both gamers set to watch from behind the ropes after the latter issued a statement explaining his absence. The 52-year-old Westwood revealed via social media that he sustained a wrist injury during observe forward of this week’s LIV Golf match in Riyadh.

“Disappointingly, I sustained an injury to my wrist whilst practicing in preparation for the first event of the season,” Westwood posted on social media.

“Thankfully, it’s nothing too serious; however, I’ve been advised to manage my rep count over the coming weeks. Therefore, I’ll unfortunately be missing this month’s LIV Golf events in Riyadh and Adelaide. I look forward to starting my season in Hong Kong and wish Majesticks Golf Club all the best under the lights and down under!”

Ben Schmidt, recent off a T-16 efficiency in Bahrain on the DP World Tour, will step in to change Westwood on the roster. The 23-year-old made historical past in 2019 by turning into the youngest winner of the Brabazon Trophy, claiming victory by 5 strokes at just 16 years outdated.

Schmidt loved a profitable 2019 marketing campaign, capturing two national championships and going on to characterize Great Britain and Ireland in the 2021 Walker Cup. Alongside Schmidt, the Majesticks GC lineup will embrace Ian Poulter, Sam Horsfield and newly added Laurie Canter.

Schmidt is not the only substitute required in the opening week after Mickelson also withdrew due to health considerations.

“I will not be able to participate in the first two LIV Events as Amy and I need to be present for a family health matter,” Mickelson posted on X. “I can’t wait to compete again and look forward to rejoining my teammates as soon as possible.”

Ollie Schniederjans will step in for Mickelson in Riyadh, becoming a member of the core workforce of Cameron Tringale, Brendan Steele, and 2025 NCAA particular person champion Michael La Sasso.

Mickelson’s absence from the season’s opening two tournaments only heightens the uncertainty surrounding the tour’s future, which can be lacking one of its greatest attracts this yr following Brooks Koepka’s reinstatement to the PGA Tour after 4 seasons with LIV.

Koepka wasn’t the only real star to depart LIV Golf, as Patrick Reed adopted the five-time major champion’s lead and will compete on the DP World Tour until turning into eligible for the PGA Tour at the end of August.

Both Mickelson and Westwood are anticipated to sit out the rest of this month and will return at HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong.