Golf-Johnson withdraws from Byron Nelson with knee discomfort

[May 11, 2021]    (Reuters) - Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the final warm-up event ahead of next week's PGA Championship with knee discomfort, the world number one said on Monday.

Dustin Johnson plays his shot on the 8th tee during the first round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament. / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /File Photo

Johnson, whose Masters title defence ended in a missed cut last month, said his decision to sit out the May 13-16 AT&T Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas, came after the knee discomfort he occasionally experiences returned.

"After consultation with my team and trainers, I feel it is best that I remain at home and focus on my rehabilitation work," Johnson said in a statement.

"I am not pleased about this situation, as I was really looking forward to playing this week."

Johnson has competed twice on the PGA Tour since his unsuccessful Masters title defence, earning a share of 13th place at the following week's RBC Heritage followed by a tie for 48th at the Valspar Championship.

The PGA Championship, which is the year's second major, is May 20-23 in Johnson's native South Carolina at Kiawah Island Resort's Ocean Course.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

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