DUBLIN, Ohio — Collin Morikawa, who finished the third round of the 2023 Memorial Tournament tied for ninth and two shots behind the leaders, has withdrawn from the tournament because of back spasms.
The 26-year-old Morikawa said his back “just kind of gave out” during a workout Sunday morning.
“We were doing some reflex stuff, trying to reach down and I tried to pick something up quick and low,” Morikawa said. “I literally have never had this in my life. I’ve hurt my back briefly before, but nothing has been this bad, especially never warming up, and never doing anything pre-round.
“I think it’s the first tournament I’ve ever withdrawn from in my entire life. It sucks because this is a tournament that I love. I’ve played well and put ourselves in contention. But I have to look out for myself and I’ve got to be smart.”
Morikawa said he hopes he’ll be recovered in time for the U.S. Open in two weeks, which is played in Los Angeles, near where he grew up.
Morikawa said he hurt his back once while in college.
“I was out for like a week. I pulled a muscle in my left side,” he said. “But this was just… I crashed to the ground, just a random spasm.”
He tried to practice, but realized quickly it was impossible to play.
“I literally tried to hit 10 balls,” Morikawa said. “I chunked 9-iron about 95 yards, so I don’t think that’s playing out here at Muirfield Village.”
Morikawa has a strong history at Muirfield Village. He won the Workday Charity Open held on the course in the COVID-affected 2020 season and finished tied for second in the Memorial in 2021.
Morikawa is a two-time major champion. He won the PGA Championship in 2020 and the British Open in 2021.