Golf News

Sepp Straka and Sahith Theegala are part of a five-way tie for the early lead at The Players, as Rory McIlroy made a sluggish start to his title defence at TPC Sawgrass.

Shane Lowry ended his opening round at The Players with a quadruple bogey after twice finding the water at the 18th hole at TPC Sawgrass.

Rory McIlroy remains confident of challenging for a successful title defence at The Players, despite feeling rusty during a sluggish opening round at TPC Sawgrass.

Sepp Straka saved par seven times, chipped in for eagle late in his round and carded a 5-under 67 at the Players Championship, which was suspended due to darkness.

Ryan Fox of New Zealand withdrew from the Players Championship on Thursday, later saying he had surgery for kidney stones.

FedExCup leader Collin Morikawa has withdrawn from The Players after just one hole of his opening round due to a back injury.

Collin Morikawa withdrew from the Players Championship early Thursday morning with a back injury.