Hideki Matsuyama Withdraws from 2024 BMW Championship With Back Injury

Hideki Matsuyama withdrew from the 2024 BMW Championship on Friday due to a lower back injury.

"I am disappointed to have to withdraw from the BMW Championship after experiencing lower back discomfort while warming up this morning, which made it impossible to play today," Matsuyama said in a statement. "Thank you to BMW and the Western Golf Association for a great experience here at Castle Pines."

The 32-year-old was coming off a strong first round in the event after previously winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Sunday.

He shot a five-under 67 in the first round at Castle Pines Golf Club, recording six birdies. His only blemish was a bogey on the 10th hole, although he was able to avoid mistakes throughout the rest of the round.

At the end of the day, he sat at No. 2 on the leaderboard behind Keegan Bradley.

After entering the event at No. 3 in the FedEx Cup standings following his win at TPC Southwind, Matsuyama won't have a chance to move up due to his back injury. Still, he should secure a spot in the Tour Championship field if he's able to play at East Lake Golf Club.

It's been an eventful year for Matsuyama, as he earned a victory at The Genesis Invitational on Feb. 18 before winning an Olympic bronze medal during the Paris Games. He also won the St. Jude Championship without his caddie and swing coach, as they were unable to attend the event after their passports were stolen in London.

Matsuyama has now dealt with back pain at the BMW Championship for the second straight year, as he was unable to participate during the second round in 2023 due to similar issues.

He'll attempt to return in time for the Tour Championship, which begins on Aug. 29.