The Players Championship got off to a dramatic start on Thursday morning with Collin Morikawa withdrawing hurt during his first round.
The two-time major winner and World No. 4 appeared to tweak something in his back after a practice swing on the 11th hole – just his second of the day – and promptly pulled out of the tournament after calling for a physio.
He tried to stretch, and minutes later took a cart ride from an official into the clubhouse. Morikawa was holding his head in his hands as he was driven away.
It is too early to tell the extent of the damage for the 29-year-old but attention will inevitably turn to The Masters, which is less than a month away. Players will be teeing off at Augusta on April 9.
Morikawa was one of the favorites this week but is now out before his first round was completed.
Morikawa won at Pebble Beach earlier this year, his first PGA Tour title in 16 months.
The American cannot be replaced, either, as he had already started the round.
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