Sam Burns withdraws from PGA Championship with back injury

Sam Burns withdrew from the PGA Championship with a back injury, the tournament announced Thursday.

The 24-year-old slipped on the fifth hole and re-aggravated a previous ailment he had in his lower back, according to Golf Channel's Ryan Lavner. Burns' manager told Lavner he may need to rest for a few weeks.

Burns was 5-over after nine holes when he pulled out. The two birdies he made were erased by one double-bogey and one triple-bogey at the halfway point.

He has played exceptionally well as of late with a win and a runner-up result in his two events leading into the PGA Championship.

Burns was making his fourth major championship start. His best result was a tied-for-29th showing at the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black.