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Collin Morikawa Withdraws From Texas Open, Putting Masters Start in Doubt

The two-time major winner now faces an uncertain Masters start because of a lingering back injury.

Mar 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Collin Morikawa plays his shot from the ninth tee during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Collin Morikawa of the United States plays a shot on the tenth hole during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 12, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
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Overview

  • Morikawa pulled out of the Valero Texas Open with a back injury shortly before his scheduled pro-am tee time at TPC San Antonio, ESPN reported.
  • He has not competed since leaving the Players Championship after one hole, saying a practice swing on the 11th hole triggered pain that kept him from swinging through impact.
  • He told ESPN his back had felt positive after rest and he planned to return this week, but his next start now depends on how the injury responds.
  • The world No. 8 had been in strong form with a Pebble Beach win in February and top finishes at the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational, and he owns five straight top-20s at Augusta National.
  • The Texas Open winner will earn the final Masters berth if not already exempt, which could slightly reshape the Augusta field before tournament week.