The field this week at the Cognizant Classic already lacked big names, but the situation in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is getting grimmer by the hour.
Will Zalatoris, the 29-year-old golfer with about $20 million in career earnings, has decided to forgo his spot at the tournament on Thursday. He has been dealing with back issues for a long time now, but GolfWeek recently reported the golfer was confident about his upcoming tee-off.
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“It’s great,” Zalatoris said following his pro-am round before the Cognizant Classic. “Because I’m able to go week in, week out, and now it’s just about executing.”
According to the tour, Zalatoris withdrew because of a left ankle injury. He will be replaced by Canadian golfer Ben Silverman.
Will Zalatoris lines up a put during the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.© Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
(© Aaron Doster-Imagn Images)
Earlier this week, Ben Griffin, who added three trophies to his cabinet last season, also decided to exit the field. He reportedly decided a week’s rest before the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational would do him good.
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Jacob Bridgeman joined Griffin on the sidelines. They were replaced by Jackson Suber and Lanto Griffin, respectively. Australian golfer Adam Scott, 45, also withdrew from the tournament, giving his spot to Chan Kim.
The 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry and PGA Tour prodigal son Brooks Koepka, who is at home this week, are two of the big names remaining in the field. The former LIV golfer had to make a $5 million charitable donation to return to the tour.
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A total of $1 million of that went to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, $1.5 million went to beneficiaries selected by Koepka, and $2.5 million went to recipients selected by PGA Tour members.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Golf section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.