Why Did Matt Kuchar Withdraw From the 2021 Memorial Tournament?

The 2021 Memorial Tournament got underway on Thursday at the highly reputed Muirfield Village Golf Club. The world’s best golfers began their Round 1 campaign yesterday, and Matt Kuchar was a part of the field. However, Kuchar will unfortunately not compete further as he withdrew without completing the opening round. 

What began as a promising week ended prematurely for Matt Kuchar. The veteran golfer began Round 1 with a par on the first hole, but he faced plenty of challenges as the round progressed. Kuchar looked to be in good physical condition when he teed off on Thursday but withdrew from the tournament after playing just 14 holes. 

As per PGA Tour Communications’ official Twitter handle, Matt Kuchar withdrew from the 2021 Memorial Tournament citing a left forearm injury. Nobody saw it coming, but it all made sense looking at Kuchar’s scorecard after his withdrawal. 

Matt Kuchar WD during R1 @MemorialGolf with left forearm injury

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) June 3, 2021

Kuchar had been playing with significant forearm pain during Round 1. He was not 100%, and as a result, his game took a toll on the golf course. Kuchar hit the ball into the water on three separate occasions and recorded two double bogeys in the opening round. 

Matt Kuchar committed six bogeys and two double bogeys in Round 1

Matt Kuchar informed his playing partners that he would not be continuing after bogeying the 14th hole. However, it is assumed that the veteran golfer was playing through the pain all along.

While the cameras didn’t pick up Kuchar grimacing in pain, it was clearly evident in his scorecard. Kuchar looked all over the place with his striking and aim. Though 14-holes, Kuchar was +9 on the leaderboard, which was quite uncharacteristic. He doesn’t play this worse even on a bad day. 

Matt Kuchar ended his 2021 Memorial Tournament campaign with an eagle, a birdie, six bogeys, and two double bogeys, all in one round; which didn’t even last 18 holes! Such an astonishing scorecard indeed. 

It is indeed disappointing that Matt Kuchar, the champion of the 2013 Memorial can’t continue further this year.  He’s always played well at Muirfield Village and the 42-year-old would be gutted about his current situation. 

He had been in decent form heading into the 2021 Memorial Tournament and was expected to record a solid finish this year. Nonetheless, we wish Matt Kuchar a speedy recovery from the forearm injury! 

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