Collin Morikawa's Players Championship withdrawal disappoints golf bettors

The American star was a popular pick to win the tournament before an injury forced him to withdraw after just one hole.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:34pm

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Collin Morikawa, one of the hottest golfers on the PGA Tour this season, was forced to withdraw from The Players Championship on Thursday after just one hole due to a back injury suffered during a practice swing. Morikawa had been a heavily-backed favorite among bettors, leading to significant losses for those who had wagered on him to win the tournament or finish near the top of the leaderboard.

Why it matters

Morikawa's withdrawal was a major disappointment for golf bettors who had heavily backed the young star, who was enjoying a strong start to the 2026 season. His injury and early exit from the high-profile Players Championship event resulted in substantial losses for those who had placed wagers on him.

The details

Morikawa said he "felt fine" during his warm-up and the first hole, but a practice swing on the 11th tee box caused his back to suddenly "go out" on him, leaving him unable to continue. The 25-year-old American had been one of the most popular picks among bettors at sportsbooks, leading the field in both handle and number of bets placed on him at BetMGM.

  • Morikawa withdrew from the tournament on Thursday, March 12, 2026 after playing just one hole.
  • Morikawa had been enjoying a strong start to the 2026 season, winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am a month prior and finishing in the top-10 at his last two events.

The players

Collin Morikawa

A 25-year-old American professional golfer who was one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour heading into The Players Championship.

Scottie Scheffler

The favorite to win The Players Championship, ahead of Morikawa in the betting odds.

Rory McIlroy

A top golfer who was tied with Morikawa for the second-best odds to win the tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I felt fine in warm-up. Like nothing's been any signs of back problems. Honestly, (on the) first hole, (I) felt great, hit two great shots, hit a great putt. Teed it up, nothing felt bad. (I) teed it up on 11 and took one practice swing and I just knew it was gone. It all hit me at one second, where I was like, 'Something doesn't feel right.'”

— Collin Morikawa

What’s next

Morikawa will need to undergo further evaluation and treatment on his injured back before determining when he will be able to return to competition on the PGA Tour.

The takeaway

Morikawa's withdrawal from The Players Championship due to injury was a major disappointment for golf bettors who had heavily backed the young star, resulting in significant losses. This incident highlights the risks and unpredictability inherent in sports betting, where even the most promising athletes can be sidelined by unexpected injuries.