Jordan Spieth and Brian Campbell both withdrew from the 2025 Travelers Championship due to injuries, marking significant developments for the PGA Tour event held at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Jordan Spieth’s Withdrawal.
Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion and one of golf’s prominent figures, withdrew during the first round after completing 12 holes. This marked the first withdrawal of his professional career after 297 PGA Tour starts, underscoring the seriousness of his condition. Spieth began experiencing pain in his neck and upper back during his warm-up on the practice range. Despite attempting to play through the discomfort, the pain worsened as he progressed through his round. After hitting his tee shot on the 13th hole, he was forced to stop, visibly wincing in pain and ultimately deciding to withdraw.
Spieth described the injury as a tightening in his right scapula that spread to his neck and upper back. He expressed uncertainty about the cause, suggesting it might have been something as simple as sleeping wrong. The injury was unexpected, especially since Spieth had been feeling good heading into the tournament and had been on an upward trajectory in the Official World Golf Ranking, rising to No. 44 this season. He acknowledged the disappointment of withdrawing from an event he loves, especially a no-cut, $20 million signature event, but prioritized his health. With the birth of his child imminent, Spieth noted that the timing would allow him some time off to recover and return to form.
Brian Campbell’s Withdrawal
Brian Campbell also withdrew from the Travelers Championship, but his decision came before the start of the first round. Campbell cited a shoulder injury as the reason for his withdrawal. The 32-year-old Campbell, who won the Mexico Open earlier in the year, has struggled to maintain consistent form since his maiden PGA Tour victory. His recent performances included missed cuts and a previous withdrawal from the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Campbell’s withdrawal added to a list of players affected by injuries at the tournament, including Corey Conners, who had to pull out due to a wrist injury suffered during the U.S. Open. Campbell was replaced in the field by Davis Riley. Despite his struggles, Campbell had climbed to 97th in the Official World Golf Ranking following his win in Mexico, but the shoulder injury now poses a setback for his season.
Impact on the Tournament
The Travelers Championship is one of the PGA Tour’s eight signature events, boasting a $20 million purse and attracting a strong field of competitors. Spieth’s and Campbell’s withdrawals highlight the physical toll that professional golf can take on players, especially in a demanding season. Spieth’s withdrawal is particularly notable given his stature and the fact that he had never before withdrawn from a tournament at any level.
Both players will now focus on recovery, with Spieth hopeful of returning to competitive form soon after a brief period of rest and rehabilitation. Campbell’s timeline for return remains uncertain, but his shoulder injury will require careful management to avoid further complications.
In summary,
the 2025 Travelers Championship witnessed the unexpected withdrawals of Jordan Spieth and Brian Campbell due to neck/upper back and shoulder injuries, respectively. These developments underscore the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak physical condition in professional golf and the importance of prioritizing health over competition. Fans and the golf community will be watching closely as both players work toward recovery and a return to the tour.