DeChambeau won't defend Bay Hill title

Bryson DeChambeau has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, saying he did not want to risk further injury to his hand and hip because he wasn't completely ready to defend his title at Bay Hill.

DeChambeau has not competed since pulling out after the first round of the Saudi International on February 3.

The previous week, he missed the cut at Torrey Pines.

"Man, tough decision right now," DeChambeau said in a video posted on his Instagram account.

"I have a lot of work to do to get everything back in order for this week.

" I just feel like it's too short a time for me to get back to 100%. Right now, I'm like 90%.

"I just don't want to go out there and hurt myself more and not be 100% for the rest of the season."

DeChambeau said he would try to be ready for The Players Championship, which begins on march 10.

The world No.12 said he is able to hit golf balls in a simulator but it's not "comfortable".

"As of right now, I just can't risk it, going out there and having it re-aggravate... This has been one of the hardest moments in my life ... because I'm not able to do much," he said.

He has been dealing with a bone bruise in his left hand and he said he hurt his hip when he slipped and fell in Saudi Arabia.

The 2020 US Open champion has not completed 72 holes since tying for 25th at the opening event of the year, the Tournament of Champions, in early January.

DeChambeau had been in talks with the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Investments about a proposed rival league.

A week ago, after Dustin Johnson declared his support of the PGA Tour, DeChambeau said he wanted to complete against the best players, and as long as they're on the PGA Tour, that's where he will be.