Despite being often dubbed as the best athlete on the PGA Tour, Dustin Johnson is continuing to struggle with health issues and as a result, has withdrawn for the third consecutive week.
A winner this year in the season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Johnson recorded three straight top-15 finishes earlier this season, including a tie for fourth at the Shell Houston Open. His injury issues began at Quail Hollow, though, when he was among several players to withdraw from the field at the Wells Fargo Championship before play began, citing inflammation in his left wrist.
He appeared ready to return last week at The Players Championship, carding a 2-over 74 in Thursday’s opening round. Before he was set to tee off in the second round, though, Johnson again withdrew, this time citing an injury to his lower back.
Johnson was next scheduled to participate in this week’s HP Byron Nelson Championship, but was removed from the official field Tuesday without a disclosed reason. Later in the day, he sent out the following message on Twitter, an indication that the back issues that caused him to withdraw at TPC Sawgrass may still be a concern:
Tried to go but have inflammation in my facet joints. Some rest and daily therapy with my physical therapist, then I should be good!!
— Dustin Johnson (@DJohnsonPGA) May 14, 2013
Johnson had an MRI on Wednesday that revealed no structural damage, but according to his manager with Hambric Sports Management, he has been slowed by tightness and irritation around the facet joints in his back and has been getting physical therapy for the last few days.