Dustin Johnson withdraws from Byron Nelson due to knee issue

World No 1’s knee discomfort has returned ahead of the PGA Championship warm-up event

PGA world No 1 Dustin Johnson (Getty Images)

Dustin Johnson has pulled out of from the final warm-up event before next week’s PGA Championship with a knee issue, the world No 1 said on Monday.

Johnson, whose Masters title defence ended in a missed cut last month, said his decision to withdraw from the 13-16 May AT&T Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas came after the knee discomfort he occasionally experiences returned.

“After consultation with my team and trainers, I feel it is best that I remain at home and focus on my rehabilitation work,” Johnson said in a statement.

“I am not pleased about this situation, as I was really looking forward to playing this week.”

Johnson has competed twice on the PGA Tour since his unsuccessful Masters title defence, earning a share of 13th place at the following week’s RBC Heritage followed by a tie for 48th at the Valspar Championship.

The PGA Championship, which is the year’s second major, is 20-23 May in Johnson’s native South Carolina at Kiawah Island Resort’s Ocean Course.

Reuters