Dustin Johnson Withdraws From Saudi International With ‘Tweaked Back’

LIV Golf’s Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from this week’s Saudi International with a back issue.

According to a statement from the Asian Tour, which hosts the event, Johnson decided to pull out of competition after “tweaking his back.” The former Masters champion’s injury came on during a practice round, causing him to also withdraw from Wednesday’s pro-am.

“Two-time champion Dustin Johnson had unfortunately had to withdraw ahead of the first round of the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers after tweaking his back,” the statement read.

Back injuries have previously been a problem for Johnson. In 2017, the two-time major champion withdrew from the Masters after suffering from a fall that led to a hurt back.

Johnson has seen success at the Saudi Arabia event in the past—he took home the trophy in both 2019 and ’21. The Saudi International is sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the fund which backs the controversial LIV Golf breakaway tour.

Johnson, 38, was the first major LIV Golf signing, joining in May 2022 for a reported $125 million contract. After LIV’s inaugural season, Johnson made a total of $35.6 million and was its first season-long champion.

He is next scheduled to play on Feb. 24 at LIV Golf’s first event of the season, at El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course.

After the first round of the Saudi International, Mexico’s Abraham Ancer led by one shot. A bogey free 7-under 63 put the LIV Golf member one stroke ahead of Sebastian Munoz. Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, and Cameron Young sit two strokes back at 5-under.