Collin Morikawa Withdraws from 2026 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, reflecting on his abrupt withdrawal from the 2026 Players Championship.
This marked Morikawa’s sixth appearance at The Players Championship, where he was considered one of the favorites to win. His recent form had been impressive, having won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this season and finishing fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational the week prior.
Before this event, Morikawa had achieved 13 consecutive rounds under par, showcasing his strong performance leading up to the tournament. However, lingering back issues that have troubled him since 2021 and 2023 resurfaced at a critical moment.
“It’s just the worst thing in the world,” Morikawa expressed, highlighting his disappointment. He added, “It’s just frustrating, because I don’t know what caused it.”
After withdrawing, Morikawa was carted back to the clubhouse, a stark contrast to his earlier confidence during warm-ups. At just 29 years old, the young golfer has already faced significant challenges with his health.
As Morikawa recovers from this setback, the golf community will be watching closely for updates on his condition and future participation in upcoming tournaments.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of his injury and the timeline for his return to competitive play.
