In a surprising turn of events, Jason Dufner and Martin Kaymer have withdrawn from the upcoming PGA Championship, leaving fans and analysts wondering about their reasons for pulling out. Dufner, the defending champion who triumphed at Oak Hill in the last contest for the Wanamaker Trophy, will not be defending his title in Rochester. Meanwhile, Kaymer, a two-time major champion and winner of the PGA Championship in 2010, has also decided not to participate. Both players have chosen not to disclose the specific reasons behind their decisions.
Dufner, 46, has had a challenging season on the PGA Tour, participating in 19 events so far, including this week’s AT&T Byron Nelson. Unfortunately, he has missed the cut in 11 of those appearances and is expected to miss the weekend at the Nelson following scores of 71 and 74. Although Dufner has competed in the PGA Championship every year since his victory in 2013, he has failed to make the cut in his past five tournament starts.
Kaymer, who is currently playing in LIV Golf’s event in Tulsa, has also chosen not to provide an explanation for his withdrawal. The PGA Championship has been a struggle for him in recent years, with his last appearance beyond the cut line dating back to 2018.
Following these withdrawals, two alternate players, David Lingmerth and Callum Tarren, have been called up to fill the vacant spots in the PGA Championship. Additionally, Eric Cole has become the first alternate, and one field spot remains open for the winner of this week’s AT&T Byron Nelson.
These withdrawals come on the heels of two other past PGA champions, Vijay Singh and Davis Love III, also deciding not to participate in the competition. The absence of these seasoned players leaves room for new contenders to emerge and make their mark on the tournament.
As golf fans eagerly await the start of the PGA Championship, the focus will shift to the remaining field of talented golfers and the exciting prospects that lie ahead in Rochester.
