World No. 31 Theegala Withdraws from Major Due to Neck Injury

Withdrawal Announced Just One Day Before PGA Championship Begins
2023 Fortinet Championship Winner Forced Out
Smalley Earns Spot as Alternate

World No. 31 Sahith Theegala (USA) has withdrawn from the season's second major, the PGA Championship.

Sahis Tigala withdrew from the PGA Championship due to a neck injury. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On May 14 (local time), just one day before the tournament began, Theegala notified the tournament organizers that he would withdraw due to a neck injury. Last week, during the third round of the Truist Championship, he complained of neck pain and shot a 78, after which he withdrew from the fourth round and went to the hospital. Although he received treatment, his condition did not improve enough to compete in this tournament. This marks the first time Theegala has withdrawn from a tournament since making his PGA Tour debut, and it is his second consecutive withdrawal.

Theegala, 27, is considered one of the next-generation stars on the PGA Tour. He won the 2023 Fortinet Championship and finished third in last year's FedEx Cup Playoffs. Alex Smalley (USA), who was on the waiting list, has earned the opportunity to compete in the PGA Championship.