Dustin Johnson’s season debut ended before it began Thursday at the Saudi International, where he withdrew hours before the opening round because of a back injury.
The winner in Saudi Arabia in 2019 and 2021, Johnson pulled out of the event after “tweaking his back,” according to a brief statement released by Asian Tour officials.
Johnson, 38, reportedly aggravated the back injury during a practice round at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, leading him to also skip the Wednesday pro-am.
The former world No. 1 was the dominant force on the LIV Golf circuit last year, racking up $36 million in prize money and bonuses.