Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the AT&T Byron Nelson and will be replaced by Australian veteran Greg Chalmers.
The world No.1 pulled out of the Texas event overnight, citing knee discomfort as the reason for the WD.
“Unfortunately, the knee discomfort I occasionally experience has returned and after consultation with my team and trainers, I feel it is best that I remain at home and focus on my rehabilitation work,” Johnson said in a statement.
“I am not pleased about this situation, as I was really looking forward to playing this week. I have several friends in the Dallas area, many of whom I have met through their involvement with the tournament, so I hate to let them down. I apologise to all of them and especially the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and our sponsors at AT&T. You have my word I will be back in the future and in the meantime, I wish you best of luck for a great week at the TPC Craig Ranch. I am truly sorry I won’t be there with you.”
The decision comes a week before the PGA Championship, held in Johnson’s native South Carolina at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course. The world No.1 has not been his historically dominant self since his 2020 Masters breakthrough with just one top-20 finish in his past six outings, including a missed cut at Augusta National in his title defence.
Still, only Rory McIlroy entered Monday with lower PGA Championship odds than Johnson’s 12/1 mark. Johnson, 36, has finished runner-up at the past two PGA Championships.
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