Sam Burns Withdraws From PGA Championship

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published 20 May 2021

Sam Burns withdrew from the PGA Championship during his first round after a slip on the fifth hole re-aggravated a previous injury to his lower back.

Sam Burns Withdraws From PGA Championship

Burns had been extremely well backed going into the PGA Championship (opens in new tab), but had to withdraw after nine holes after slipping on the fifth hole.

The American had been in scintillating form of late, with three consecutive top four finishes, including his first PGA Tour victory at the Valspar Championship (opens in new tab).

Playing his first PGA Championship, Burns (opens in new tab) started poorly, producing a triple bogey and a double bogey in his first five holes.

A further bogey followed at the sixth, with a birdie at the seventh putting him back to four-over-par.

However, a three putt bogey at the eighth put the American at five-over-par for the front nine.

Driving off the 10th, he would find the rough on the right hand side, before withdrawing with a back injury.

The 24-year-old has had previous injury problems. In his debut season on the PGA Tour, he was unable to compete at The Northern Trust Open due to a broken ankle.

Related: PGA Championship Tee Times: Round Two (opens in new tab)

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x