Crocked Dustin Johnson pulls out of Saudi International

Two-time Major champion opts to rest up for forthcoming LIV Golf campaign

Dustin Johnson has started the year with an injury setbackCredit: Getty Images

Pre-tournament Saudi International favourite, Dustin Johnson, did not make it to the first tee at Royal Greens – the American made a last-gasp withdrawal with a back injury.

Johnson, a two-time Saudi International champion and a general 7-1 ante-post market leader for this edition, opted to rest his back for the forthcoming LIV Golf season. Punters who backed DJ will get their stakes returned.

Abraham Ancer set the early pace at Royal Greens, firing a seven-under-par 63, with Sebastian Munoz a shot behind in second place.

Matt Fitzpatrick remains 10-1 for the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which starts at 4.30pm UK and Ireland time on Thursday, but the Englishman revealed on tournament-eve that he is carrying a neck niggle which means he is unable to swing at full speed.

Fitzpatrick is fortunate the Pro-Am is played on three short courses where power is not of any great advantage, but he said: “I hurt my neck last Saturday, so it's still not 100 per cent. I can still play but I've not got full speed. I've had it on and off throughout the years. Just going through the ball is just a little bit more difficult than normal."

Fitzpatrick is scheduled to tee off at 5.47pm UK and Ireland time, with Matt Kuchar as his professional playing partner.

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Steve PalmerRacing Post Sport

Published on 2 February 2023inGolf tips

Last updated 10:36, 2 February 2023

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