Morikawa & Fox Withdraw from Players Championship

Collin Morikawa, the world’s number four golfer, withdrew from The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on Thursday after completing only one hole. The two-time major champion parred the 10th hole at TPC Sawgrass before withdrawing at the 11th, reaching for his lower back after a practice swing. Morikawa, a recent winner at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, was one of the pre-tournament favorites. He attempted to stretch before leaving the course via golf cart. His withdrawal leaves the tournament without a replacement, as he had already begun play. Ryan Fox of New Zealand also withdrew from the event on Thursday due to illness, approximately five hours before his scheduled tee time. Fox, ranked 44th in the world, was replaced in the 123-man field by David Ford. The Players Championship now features 45 of the top 50 golfers in the world ranking following the withdrawals.