Why did J.J. Spaun withdraw from Tour Championship? Here's what happened during sixth hole

J.J. Spaun's 2026 Tour Championship campaign ended abruptly as he stepped away from the PGA Tour’s season-ending event after playing only five holes.

Published on: Aug 28, 2026, 24:28:59 IST

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J.J. Spaun’s 2026 Tour Championship campaign ended abruptly Thursday after he withdrew during the sixth hole of the opening round at East Lake Golf Club.

Why did J.J. Spaun withdraw?

The 36-year-old stepped away from the PGA Tour’s season-ending event after playing only five holes because of a shoulder injury, according to the Golf Channel broadcast.

What possibly caused Spaun's injury?

Spaun later suggested the problem may have stemmed from “a poor sleeping position.” He was seen leaving East Lake in a golf cart after deciding he could not continue.

"I tried to push through it," Spaun said, according to Golfweek.

“With the torque and the amount of force in a golf swing, it just doesn't feel comfortable. I'm nowhere in my game health-wise to be able to compete at the highest level,” he further explained.

Spaun chooses caution

Spaun also explained that he did not want to aggravate the injury before finding out what was causing the discomfort.

"I just didn't want to cause any further damage before I assess this correctly and see what's going on in there," he further explained.

This story is being updated.

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