A lower back problem has forced Hideki Matsuyama to withdraw from the BMW Championship just ahead of the second round in Colorado.
The Japanese golfer shot a five-under 67 at Castle Pines Golf Club to sit just a shot behind leader Keegan Bradley after the first round, but suffered back pain while warming up for round two on Friday morning.
The former Masters champion came into the event in great form after winning the FedEx St Jude Championship last week, and after a fine start was a favourite to contend again.
But after warming up, he said the back pain he felt made it "impossible to play" in the second round, so was forced to withdraw from the tournament.
"I am disappointed to have to withdraw from the BMW Championship after experiencing lower back discomfort while warming up this morning, which made it impossible to play today," Matsuyama said in a statement.
"Thank you to BMW and the Western Golf Association for a great experience here at Castle Pines."
Matsuyama teed off at Castle Pines in third place in the FedEx Cup standings, with only Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler ahead of him.
Winning the first FedEx Cup Playoffs event last week gave him an added bump up the standings, after previously winning the Genesis Invitational back in February.
Statement on behalf of Hideki Matsuyama: pic.twitter.com/dFtcDJVG5AAugust 23, 2024
The full extent of his injury has not been disclosed, but despite withdrawing from the BMW Championship, Matsuyama will still be able to play in next week's Tour Championship if he is fit.
His place in the standings is secure enough that even with collecting no points this week he'll still be in the top 30 that will make it to the final event at East Lake.
The timing of the injury is still a concern for Matsuyama though, with not only the Tour Championship coming up next week but also the President's Cup on the horizon next month.
Matsuyama is set to be one of the International Team's leaders and he was obviously in a rich vein of form when you throw in the bronze medal he won at the 2024 Paris Olympics before then going on to win the St Jude.
-
Rory McIlroy And Shane Lowry Explain Golf Ball Tactics For Zurich Classic FoursomesDefending Zurich Classic of New Orleans champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry explained how they go about picking which golf ball to use in foursomes
-
I'm A New Dad (Of Twins)... Here Are My 4 Top Tips For Balancing Fatherhood And GolfAs a first time father, and an avid amateur golfer, I utilise these four simple tips to maintain a balance between two of the things I love most in the world...
-
Rory McIlroy And Shane Lowry Explain Golf Ball Tactics For Zurich Classic Foursomes
Defending Zurich Classic of New Orleans champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry explained how they go about picking which golf ball to use in foursomes
-
'I’ve Never Seen Someone Hit A Driver That Good. He Played So Freaking Good. And You Almost Feel Like, How Do I Compete With That?' - Akshay Bhatia Wowed By McIlroy's Masters DisplayAkshay Bhatia lavished praise on Rory McIlroy's game at the Masters after playing the opening two rounds alongside the eventual champion at Augusta
-
Two-Time Champion Billy Horschel Forced To Withdraw From Zurich Classic Of New OrleansTwo-time winner Billy Horschel was forced to pull out of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans due to what he called a "lower body injury"
-
How To Watch Zurich Classic Of New Orleans: TV Coverage, Streaming, As Rory McIlroy Makes First Appearance Since Masters VictoryRory McIlroy makes his first appearance since winning the Master – here's how to watch the Zurich Classic of New Orlseans online and on TV this week.
-
‘I Spoke To Two Presidents The Day After’ – Rory McIlroy Reflects On 'Absolutely Amazing' Reaction To Masters WinThe five-time Major winner revealed he had spoken to two presidents in the aftermath of completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters
-
Wesley Bryan Confirms He Will Appeal ‘Indefinite’ PGA Tour SuspensionThe YouTube content creator has confirmed he will be appealing the PGA Tour’s decision to suspend him for taking part in the LIV Golf: The Duels match
-
‘I Don’t Deserve To Win It’ - Joel Dahmen Gives Brutally Honest Assessment Of ‘Inexcusable’ Corales Puntacana Championship CollapseJoel Dahmen didn't hold back on his performance after bogeys on the final three holes handed the title to Garrick Higgo
-
Two Weeks After Parting Ways With Max Homa, Caddie Joe Greiner Claims $360,000 Payday Alongside Justin ThomasJoe Greiner is caddying for Justin Thomas on a temporary basis, and the player’s win at the RBC Heritage has already secured him a big payday
