Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa's preparations for the Masters Tournament hit a significant roadblock Tuesday when he withdrew from the Valero Texas Open due to a lingering back injury that has sidelined him for nearly three weeks.
The world No. 8 golfer pulled out of the San Antonio event just before his Tuesday morning pro-am tee time, casting serious doubt on his availability for next week's first major championship of the season at Augusta National.
Morikawa's back troubles began during the opening round of The Players Championship on March 12, where he managed just one hole before being forced to withdraw. The injury occurred in the most unexpected fashion - during a practice swing on the 11th tee at TPC Sawgrass.
"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. Trust me, I would play if I could. It's just the worst," Morikawa explained following his withdrawal from The Players.
The 29-year-old California native described the moment with unsettling familiarity, suggesting this wasn't his first encounter with such back problems. The sudden onset of the injury left him frustrated and searching for answers about the root cause.
"Yeah, it's been awhile. Like I said, like I've been really, really good with the body so far throughout the fall, and it's been a little while. It's just frustrating, because I don't know what caused it. Maybe something wasn't activated enough or what, but I went through all the warmups, felt fine," Morikawa said, reflecting on his recent injury history.
The timing couldn't be worse for Morikawa, who was riding momentum from ending a 28-month victory drought with his triumph at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February. He followed that breakthrough with impressive showings, tying for seventh at the Genesis Invitational and finishing solo fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Morikawa had expressed optimism about his recovery in recent days. He told ESPN's Marty Smith that his back was feeling "positive" and confirmed his intention to compete in San Antonio as a final tune-up before Augusta National.
The former PGA Championship and Open Championship winner also sat out last week's TGL SoFi Cup finals, where his Los Angeles Golf Club team competed without their star player. His absence from the innovative indoor league competition signaled the severity of his condition.
Morikawa's potential absence from the Masters would be a significant blow to the tournament field. He entered the season among the betting favorites to claim his first green jacket, backed by an impressive Augusta National resume that includes five consecutive top-20 finishes.
His most recent Masters appearance resulted in a tie for third place in 2024, continuing a pattern of consistent excellence at golf's most prestigious venue. The consistency of his Augusta performances has established him as one of the course's most reliable contenders.
The back injury represents a cruel twist of fate for a player who had finally rediscovered his winning form after an extended drought. Morikawa's Pebble Beach victory marked his first PGA Tour win since the 2021 Open Championship, ending speculation about his ability to compete at the highest level.
With the Masters just days away, Morikawa faces a race against time to recover sufficiently for competition. The tournament represents his best opportunity to add to his major championship collection, given his proven track record at Augusta National.
The golf world will watch closely for updates on Morikawa's condition as the Masters field finalizes. His participation status could significantly impact both the tournament dynamics and his own season trajectory, as major championships remain the ultimate measuring stick for elite players.
Morikawa's team has yet to provide a specific timeline for his return to competition, leaving his Masters participation uncertain until further medical evaluation determines the extent of his recovery.