Hideki Matsuyama withdraws from Wells Fargo Championship with back injury

Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, watches his tee shot on the 14th hole during third round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (Ashley Landis/AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hideki Matsuyama withdrew from the Wells Fargo Championship before the start of Thursday’s first round with a back injury.

The world’s 15th-ranked golfer has not played on the PGA Tour since finishing tied for 38th at the Masters last month.

The announcement came just minutes before Matsuyama’s scheduled tee time.

He was not replaced in the field.

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