During Friday’s second round of the Valero Texas Open, Hideki Matsuyama was forced to withdraw with a neck injury. Earlier this month, the Japanese golfer withdrew from The Players championship with a lingering back injury.
This most recent withdrawal comes just one week before Matsuyama was set to defend his 2021 Masters title in Augusta.
Hideki Matsuyama WD during round two of the Valero Texas Open with a neck injury.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) April 1, 2022
The golf world took to Twitter to react to the unfortunate timing of this injury.
“Oh no. What rubbish timing for the defending @TheMasters champion,” one fan wrote.
“Man I hope he’s ok for next week,” another added.
No word yet if the reigning Masters champ will compete here in Augusta next week. https://t.co/QEILmazBzw
— MEREDITH ANDERSON (@MeredithWRDW) April 1, 2022
https://t.co/JoYdUQT6Id pic.twitter.com/UHjTX1t9Y4
— One-Over (@OneOver20) April 1, 2022
As last year’s Masters winner, Matsuyama is set to host the Champions Dinner in Augusta’s clubhouse on the Tuesday night. He will give a speech and set the dinner menu, as is tradition.
“Deki got a big dinner in the next couple days in Augusta ..” one fan wrote.
He’s got a dinner reservation in a few days. Can’t risk traffic. https://t.co/sMKkI0KI2t
— Joe Musso (@MooseOnAir) April 1, 2022
Matsuyama claimed the 2021 Green Jacket with a 10-under score at Augusta National, becoming the first Japanese player in PGA history to win a men’s major championship.
Now with a couple extra days of rest, he will look to recover in time for Thursday’s opening round.
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