SOUTHAMPTON, New York — Jason Day withdrew during the first round of the U.S. Open with a back injury.
Day, the 2015 PGA champion from Australia who has a history of back problems, left the Shinnecock course on a golf cart Thursday evening about 20 minutes after wincing on a practice swing.
He was seven over through 10 holes before withdrawing.
Day was the U.S. Open runner-up in 2011 (eight shots behind Rory McIlroy) and shared second in 2013 (two shots behind Justin Rose).
He spent 51 weeks as the world No. 1 in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Day is currently ranked 47th in the world with a best finish this season of tied for second at the American Express in January.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are among the challengers to J.J. Spaun’s U.S. Open title.
