Justin Thomas, the world’s No. 5 golfer, withdrew Wednesday from this week’s Travelers Championship.
“Before the rumors start flying, I have decided to WD to treat and rest my back which I tweaked earlier this week,” he wrote on Twitter. “Just making sure I get it taken care of and ready for the rest of the PGA season as planned. Hate to be missing one of the best/my favorite events @TravelersChamp!”
PGA Tour Communications said Satoshi Kodaira of Japan will replace Thomas in the field in Cromwell, Conn.
Thomas, 29, finished in third place at the RBC Canadian Open two weeks ago before tying for 37th last week at the U.S. Open. He has 15 PGA Tour wins, including PGA Championship wins in 2017 and 2022.
His announcement comes on the heels of Brooks Koepka withdrawing from the event on Tuesday. The LIV Golf Series announced Wednesday it was welcoming Koepka to the competing tour, with his debut event expected to be the Portland tournament on June 30.
Will Zalatoris also withdrew from the Cromwell event earlier this week. Zalatoris finished in a tie for second place at the U.S. Open.
