Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa has pulled out of this week's Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio, citing the same back injury that derailed his Players Championship appearance earlier this season.
Morikawa was originally committed to the tournament field but withdrew Tuesday, just days before the event begins. The injury forced him to withdraw from The Players Championship after completing just one hole, and according to his agent, the 27-year-old returned to competition too quickly.
"Honestly, it was like, it's like a deja vu. Like it all hit me at one second," Morikawa said previously about when the injury first struck at TPC Sawgrass, describing the sudden onset of pain that cut short his tournament.
The withdrawal raises significant concerns about Morikawa's availability for next week's Masters Tournament at Augusta National. With the season's first major championship looming, an additional week of rest could prove crucial for the former world number two's recovery prospects.
Morikawa had expressed frustration about the unpredictable nature of his back issues in previous comments. "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," he explained about his physical preparation routine.
Tommy Fleetwood now stands as the clear headliner for the tournament, maintaining his status as the betting favorite at 14-to-1 odds. The Englishman leads a field that still includes 15 players ranked in the world's top 50.
Defending champion Brian Harman returns to TPC San Antonio looking to repeat his victory from last year's event. However, the tournament has been hit by multiple high-profile withdrawals beyond Morikawa's absence.
Nicolai Hojgaard, Gary Woodland, and Daniel Berger have all withdrawn from this week's event, having secured their Masters invitations. Woodland recently captured the Texas Children's Houston Open with a commanding 21-under-par performance, likely influencing his decision to skip San Antonio.
Frankie Capan III will replace Morikawa in the tournament field, stepping into what represents a significant opportunity on the PGA Tour stage. The field adjustments have created openings for players further down the alternate list.
Morikawa's injury concerns extend beyond this week's tournament. His preparation comments reveal the mysterious nature of his back problems: "No, no. I mean, warm-up, prep, nothing. I was ready to go swing even harder this week if I had to, right. Honestly, first hole felt great. Hit two great shots. Hit a great putt. Teed it up, nothing felt bad."
The timing couldn't be more challenging for Morikawa, who has won two major championships and is considered among golf's elite talents. Missing the Masters would represent a significant setback in what has already been a disrupted season.
As the golf world turns its attention to Augusta National next week, Morikawa's medical team faces a critical decision about his readiness to compete in golf's most prestigious tournament. The extra rest from skipping San Antonio may prove essential for his Masters preparation.
The Valero Texas Open proceeds without several marquee names, but the tournament remains an important final tune-up for many players before the year's first major championship begins Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.