Red-hot Sam Burns withdraws from the PGA Championship, citing a back injury

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Sam Burns’ red-hot run came to a quick end at the PGA Championship.

The 24-year-old withdrew after nine holes at Kiawah Island, citing a back injury. He’d gone out in 4-over 41 – with a triple bogey and a double – before walking off the course.

Burns’ manager, Brett Falkoff, said that Burns slipped on the fifth tee, re-aggravating a previous injury to his lower back. He said it’s not yet known when Burns will be able to return, but he may need a few weeks to rest. 

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Burns has been playing as well as anyone on Tour over the past few months, winning the Valspar Championship for his first victory and then nearly taking last week’s AT&T Byron Nelson, where he held the 54-hole lead before finishing second to K.H. Lee.

In his third full season, Burns owns the most 36- and 54-hole leads on Tour. He’s all the way up to No. 36 in the world rankings.