Collin Morikawa withdraws from Texas Open as Masters appearance in jeopardy

Collin Morikawa has withdrawn from this week’s Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio due to a lingering back injury, putting his participation in next week’s Masters Tournament in doubt.

The 29-year-old two-time major champion was aiming to return to competitive action for the first time since his withdrawal from the first round of The Players Championship on 12 March. 

Morikawa played only one hole at TPC Sawgrass before injuring his back during a practice swing on the 11th hole, watch below. 

“I felt fine in warmup, no signs of back problems. I teed it up, took one practice swing, and I just knew it was gone,” Morikawa said at the time.

“I can’t swing through it. Trust me, I would play if I could. It’s just the worst thing in the world.”

After taking nearly three weeks off to recover, Morikawa had hoped to compete at TPC San Antonio as a final tune-up before golf’s first major of the season at Augusta National. 

However, the seven-time PGA Tour winner confirmed his withdrawal shortly before Tuesday’s pro-am tee time. 

Frankie Capan III will take his place in the field.

Golf Channel's Todd Lewis posted on X: “Due to residual issues from a back injury that forced him out of The Players, @collin_morikawa withdrew from the @valerotxopen today. 

“According to his agent Andrew Kipper, Morikawa has made progress with his back but this week was simply too early to return to competition.”

Morikawa, ranked eighth in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), enjoyed a strong start to 2026 with a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, ending a 28-month winless streak. 

The American also recorded top finishes at the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Considered one of the favourites for a first Masters green jacket, Morikawa has five consecutive top-20 finishes at Augusta National, including a tie for third in 2024. 

Should Morikawa go on to win The Masters, as unlikely as it seems right now given his fitness concerns, he would move to within one leg of the career grand slam. He won the US PGA in 2020 and then etched his name on the famous Claret Jug at The Open in 2021. 

The bookmakers certainly consider Morikawa has little to no chance in Georgina as his odds have tumbled from 18/1 three weeks ago down to a curent 33/1. 

Could Morikawa simply be nursing the situation ahead of next week, or are things really as bad as they sound? I guess, we'll find out next week. 

Morikawa’s withdrawal is part of a growing list of absences from the Texas Open. 

Last week’s Houston Open winner Gary Woodland and runner-up Nicolai Højgaard both opted out of the event after securing their status for the Masters. 

Daniel Berger has also come out of the field. 

Additionally, Pierceson Coody, who has also struggled with back pain, was forced to withdraw ahead of the second round in Houston and has not recovered in time for San Antonio, meaning he will miss the opportunity to qualify for Augusta.

Germany's Matti Schmid and America's David Lipsky have also pulled the plug on the tournament. 

Those six above withdrawals have opened the door for Carson Young, Lanto Griffin, Jackson Suber, Sam Ryder, Joel Dahmen and Taylor Moore.

The stakes at the Texas Open remain high, as the winner will not only capture a huge $1.76m but also a spot in The Masters (if they are not already eligible).