Dustin Johnson, the two-time SAudi International Champion, pulled out of the 2023 tournament shortly before his first round of the year at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club on Thursday.

The 38-year-old American was forced to withdraw after ‘tweaking’ his back during practice for the Asian Tour $5 million event. He also withdrew from Wednesday’s Pro-Am and will now focus on his next event — the LIV Golf 2023 season opener in Mayakoba, Mexico, from February 24-26. He won the 2019 and 2021 editions of the SAudi International.