Matsuyama withdraws from BMW Championship due to back injury

Hideki Matsuyama withdrew from the BMW Championship on Friday before the start of the second round due to a lower back injury.

Matsuyama has been struggling with back and neck injuries for several years.

The 2021 Masters champion missed a short birdie putt on the 18th hole to shoot a 5-under 67 on Thursday at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colorado. He was one stroke behind leader Keegan Bradley after the first round.

Matsuyama, 32, captured the 10th PGA Tour title of his career by winning last week’s playoff opener, the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The victory enabled him to move into third place in the FedEx Cup standings.

Japan’s Matsuyama also won bronze at the Paris Olympics.