Collin Morikawa dramatically withdrew from The Players Championship on his second hole.
The in-form American was taking a practice swing and winced in pain before walking away holding his back.
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Morikawa looked to be in a great deal of painCredit: Getty
He headed straight for a cart, looking devastated, and minutes later it was confirmed that he had pulled out of the tournament.
“Teed it up on 11, and took one practice swing, and I just knew it was gone,” he said. “Like I just had the feeling before when it’s happened.
“I can’t swing through it. Trust me, I would play if I could. It’s just the worst thing in the world.”
Rory McIlroy is also struggling with a back injury and his status is up in the air.
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The Northern Irishman has been unable to practice, but will attempt to play.
“It’s better than it was,” McIlroy said of his back, ahead of his scheduled title defence.
“I’ve got about 20 hours until I tee off, or until I’m supposed to tee off tomorrow, so we’ll see.
“But it feels better. That’s all I can say. I couldn’t stand to address the ball on Saturday morning on the range at Bay Hill, and it’s obviously better than that.”
With under a month to go until The Masters, both players will be determined to get back in full health.
Two-time major champion Morikawa, who has already won on the PGA Tour this season, had been installed as second-favourite for the Players after McIlroy’s injury problems.
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The Players is one of the most prestigious events of the golfing year and features the iconic par-three 17thCredit: Getty
World no.1 Scottie Scheffler is still the favourite despite a difficult start to the 2026 season.
Defending Players and Masters champion McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday before his third round after sustaining a muscle problem in the gym.
It was only the second time in the five-time-Major champion’s career that he withdrew from a PGA Tour event mid-competition, with the first being the 2013 Honda Classic.
Players Championship provides ideal Masters springboard
Max Greyserman took an early lead at TPC Sawgrass after sinking four-straight birdies to go five-under through seven holes.
McIlroy’s success at golf’s unofficial fifth major last March teed him up for a career-defining victory at Augusta a month later.
A rollercoaster tournament saw him claim a Green Jacket for the first time and complete a career Grand Slam.
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McIlroy is a true game-time decisionCredit: Getty
As well as defending his title, McIlroy also has the honor of hosting the hosting the Champions Dinner, where he will get to choose the menu.
The golfing great will hope to do a lot more than serve up a feast in Georgia and his fitness will be closely monitored if he does head out for the Players.