The Players rocked by alarming double withdrawal | Golf News

Collin Morikawa withdrew from The Players after finishing just one gap due to a suspected back injury.

Morikawa, who has loved a strong start to the season and gained at Pebble Beach, only managed 4 pictures before being carted back to the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse.

Less than a month in the past, Morikawa clinched the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He is the second participant to withdraw on Thursday morning, following two-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Fox, who pulled out forward of his opening spherical due to sickness.

Fox’s spot in the sphere was stuffed by David Ford, but no alternate will substitute Morikawa since the two-time major champion had already began his opening spherical. This reduces the sphere to 122 gamers.

Back accidents have emerged as the main narrative as the PGA Tour’s flagship event kicks off, particularly with McIlroy’s participation unsure after he withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week.

McIlroy was in a good place to compete over the weekend at Bay Hill Club and Lodge, but he strained his back during a pre-round workout.

The world No. 2 shortly returned home to start treatment on a muscular downside, and he arrived late at TPC Sawgrass on Wednesday.

McIlroy managed to full a gentle vary session before strolling a few holes with caddie Harry Diamond. The 36-year-old acknowledged he’ll make a “game-time decision” on whether or not or not to take part.

“It’s better. It’s better than it was,” McIlroy informed reporters on Wednesday. “I hit up until a 6-iron on the range there, and it felt OK. I’ve got about, I don’t know, 20 hours until I tee off, or until I’m supposed to tee off tomorrow.

“So, yeah, we’ll see. I’m taking it type of hour by hour. But it feels better. That’s all I can say. Like, I could not stand to deal with the ball on Saturday morning on the vary at Bay Hill, and it is clearly better than that.

“So, yeah, probably a game-time decision, but all indications are pointing in the right direction, so hopefully good night tonight. The drugs are working wonders, and then just keep it going from there.”

Whilst McIlroy is assured his issue is minor and enhancing daily, it stays unsure what injury Morikawa has sustained. With the Masters just 28 days away, he shall be keen for constructive news when he’s evaluated.