Hideki Matsuyama withdraws from FedEx St. Jude Championship with neck injury

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Hideki Matsuyama withdrew Wednesday from the FedEx St. Jude Championship because of a neck injury, saying he is hopeful he can return in the postseason.

Matsuyama, the first Japanese man to win a major championship, is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour this season and goes into the FedEx Cup playoffs as the No. 11 seed. With points counting four times as much in the postseason, he was sure to lose spots in the standings.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA HAS AN AMAZING JAPANESE-INSPIRED CHAMPIONS DINNER MENU AT 2022 MASTERS

Of greater concern are injuries that have bothered him since March.

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan walks off the 11th tee during the first round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities on July 21, 2022, in Blaine, Minnesota. Hideki will not participate in the FedEx playoffs due to a neck injury. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

PGA TOUR LOOKS TO BLOCK LIV GOLFERS FROM COMPETING IN FEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS, FILES MOTION IN COURT

The former Masters champion missed The Players Championship and the Dell Match Play with a neck injury. He most recently withdrew from the 3M Open three weeks ago citing a wrist injury after opening with a 77.

Matsuyama said of his withdrawal from Memphis, "I felt it was the best decision to ensure my neck receives the treatment it needs for me to compete in the BMW Championship and Tour Championship."

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA DISQUALIFIED FROM MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT OVER GOLF CLUB: 'JUST UNFORTUNATE SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES'

The top 70 advance to the BMW Championship next week, and the top 30 go to the Tour Championship in Atlanta a week later. If he doesn't play next week, Matsuyama still should be in reasonable shape for the Tour Championship.