Golfer Collin Morikawa has decided to pull out of the upcoming 2026 Truist Championship, a significant PGA Tour event taking place this week at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. While no official reason was mandated or provided at the time of his withdrawal, it is widely understood that Morikawa has been contending with a persistent back injury. This physical setback previously forced him to exit the Players Championship in March after completing just one hole during the initial round.
Morikawa, at 29 years old, had been enjoying a successful season, securing his seventh career Tour title at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February. This victory propelled him to a career-high world ranking of No. 4, though he currently stands at No. 6. His recent performances underscore his talent and resilience, even while managing his physical discomfort.
The back issues have been a recurring challenge for Morikawa. He took a brief hiatus, including skipping the Valero Texas Open, to allow for additional recuperation time. Despite this, he managed to compete in both the Masters in April, where he finished tied for seventh, and the RBC Heritage the following week, achieving a tied-for-fourth position. These impressive showings were accomplished despite him admitting that he was not swinging at his usual speed, highlighting his determination.
Reflecting on his condition after the RBC, Morikawa commented on the difficulty of testing his physical limits during competitive play. He expressed his intention to focus on recovery and regain full health during his time at home. He acknowledged the mental fortitude required to navigate the past two demanding weeks, describing them as feeling like an entire year of golf due to the constant grind.
Morikawa’s decision to withdraw from the Truist Championship is a strategic move, allowing him to prioritize his recovery. His recent performance at the Cadillac Championship near Miami, where he finished T-62, was his least favorable result when completing all four rounds. By taking this week off, he aims to be in optimal condition for the PGA Championship, the second major tournament of the year, which is scheduled for the following week outside Philadelphia. Andrew Putnam will step in to fill Morikawa’s spot in the Quail Hollow field.