Multiple Golfers Abruptly Withdraw From The Players Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 9:34 AM ET

The The Players Championship, with a $25 million purse, is one of the biggest events of the year outside the majors and begins Thursday.

But two golfers will miss out on the huge payday this week. Ryan Fox will not have a chance to add to his more than $8 million career earnings.

Fox fell ill before his scheduled 1:18 p.m. tee time for the first round at TPC Sawgrass and was forced to withdraw from his group with Keegan Bradley and Chris Kirk.

The 39-year-old from New Zealand is coming off a tie for 24th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Last season, he captured two titles—the Myrtle Beach Classic and the RBC Canadian Open.

Colin Morikawa walks off during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.© Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Fox was not the only player to withdraw. Collin Morikawa also pulled out of the tournament after sustaining a back injury. His tee time had been scheduled for 8:40 a.m. alongside Si Woo Kim and Ludvig Åberg.

David Ford will replace Fox in the field. The 23-year-old turned professional last year and is yet to record a victory on the PGA Tour. He is projected to make the cut with 61.26% odds.

Collin Morikawa (back injury) WD during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) March 12, 2026

The field still features several big names, including World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, whose participation had been in doubt after he hurt his back during the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. McIlroy confirmed earlier this week that he will play and is scheduled to tee off at 1:42 p.m. with Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler tees off early at 8:52 a.m. alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Thomas.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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