[Golf Topic] World No.4 Johnson Withdraws... "Back Injury?"

World No. 4 Dustin Johnson is teeing off at the 11th hole on the first day of the 3M Open. Blaine, Minnesota, USA ? Photo by Getty Images/Multivitz

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○..."Back injury?"

World No. 4 Dustin Johnson (USA) withdrew immediately after the first round of the PGA Tour 3M Open (total prize money $6.6 million) held on the 24th (Korean time) at Twin Cities Golf Club in Blaine, Minnesota, USA (par 71, 7,431 yards). This was unexpected considering he won the Travelers Championship on the 29th of last month, marking his 13th consecutive season winning a trophy since the 2008 Turning Stone Resort Championship. However, he showed poor form with 8-over par for two consecutive days at last week's Memorial Tournament, which seemed to have halted his momentum.

Johnson made 2 birdies but also recorded 3 bogeys, 1 double bogey, and 1 quadruple bogey, finishing with a 7-over par 78. Starting at the 10th hole (par 4), especially at the 18th hole (par 4), his second, fourth, and sixth shots consecutively landed in the water, resulting in an '8 on 1 putt' and losing 4 strokes in a flash. Over the last 3 rounds, he has accumulated a total of 23 over par. He plans to participate as scheduled in next week's World Golf Championships (WGC) FedEx St. Jude Invitational and the following PGA Championship.

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