Full Breakdown
Collin Morikawa Withdraws from The Players Championship Due to Back Injury
3/12/2026, 10:44:14 PM
Sudden Withdrawal at TPC Sawgrass
Collin Morikawa, the world’s fourth-ranked golfer and a two-time major champion, withdrew from The Players Championship on March 12, 2026, after experiencing a back injury during his opening round. Morikawa had only completed one hole, making par on the 10th, before he encountered discomfort while taking a practice swing on the 11th tee. He described the moment, stating, “I felt fine in warm-up. Like nothing's been any signs of back problems. And teed it up on 11, and took one practice swing, and I just knew it was gone.” Following the incident, he called for a trainer and ultimately decided to withdraw from the tournament.
Background on Morikawa's Recent Performance
Morikawa entered The Players Championship in strong form, having recently won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and finishing fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His performance this season included three top-10 finishes, and he was leading the FedEx Cup standings. Analysts had considered him one of the favorites to win the tournament, given his recent success and consistent play.
Previous Injury Concerns
This is not the first time Morikawa has faced back issues. He previously dealt with similar problems during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and withdrew from the Memorial Tournament in 2023 due to back pain. Despite these past challenges, he had focused on strength and conditioning during the offseason to enhance his physical durability, aiming to prevent injuries and maintain performance throughout the PGA Tour season.
Official Statements & Responses
Morikawa expressed his frustration regarding the injury, stating, “It just sucks. I don’t know how to put it in words.” He emphasized that he would have continued playing if it were physically possible, highlighting the severity of the pain he experienced. His withdrawal marks a significant loss for the tournament, often referred to as the "fifth major" due to its competitive field and substantial prize purse.
Criticism & Opposition
While Morikawa's withdrawal was met with disappointment from fans and analysts, there were no significant criticisms directed at him regarding the incident. The unexpected nature of the injury, occurring during a practice swing, left many in the golf community sympathetic to his situation.
What's Next for Morikawa?
The severity of Morikawa's back injury remains unclear, and his immediate focus will likely be on recovery. With major championships, including The Masters Tournament, approaching, maintaining full fitness will be crucial. If the injury is minor, he may return quickly to continue his strong 2026 campaign; however, if it lingers, adjustments to his schedule may be necessary to avoid further complications.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I felt fine in warm-up. Like nothing’s been any signs of back problems. And teed it up on 11, and took one practice swing, and I just knew it was gone. Like I just had the feeling before when it’s happened. And I just, I can’t swing through it,” — Collin Morikawa
- “So at that point called over my trainer, and talked about it with my caddie Mark, and it just sucks. I don't know how to put it in words.” — Collin Morikawa
Morikawa's withdrawal not only impacts his personal season but also alters the competitive landscape of The Players Championship, as he was considered a top contender for the title.
