Hideki Matsuyama withdraws from BMW Championship

Hideki Matsuyama withdrew before his second round of the BMW Championship because of lower back pain.

"I am disappointed to have to withdraw from the BMW Championship after experiencing lower back discomfort while warming up this morning, which made it impossible to play today.," Matsuyama said in a statement Friday. "Thank you to BMW and the Western Golf Association for a great experience here at Castle Pines."

Matsuyama arrived at Castle Pines ranked third in the FedExCup after last week’s win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. His good play continued Thursday, when he shot a 5-under 67 in Round 1 of the BMW Championship. His spot at the TOUR Championship is secure if Matsuyama is able to play next week at East Lake Golf Club.

This was Matsuyama's first WD of the season after withdrawing five times over the prior three seasons as he has struggled with back trouble.

"We have good days and bad days," Matsuyama said last week.

He also won this year’s The Genesis Invitational, his first win in two years, and the Olympic bronze medal, and will be a leader of the International Team at next month’s Presidents Cup.