Justin Thomas withdraws from Travelers Championship with back injury, immediately shuts down rumor mill

Justin Thomas has withdrawn from the Travelers Championship with a back injury, the two-time major winner announced on Twitter on Wednesday. He will be replaced in the field by Satoshi Kodaira.

Given the craziness of recent weeks in professional golf, the world No. 5 took to social media to pre-empt any speculation that his withdrawal was due to anything beyond his back.

"Before the rumors start flying, I have decided to WD to treat and rest my back which I tweaked earlier this week," Thomas wrote. "Just making sure I get it taken care of and ready for the rest of the PGA season as planned."

Thomas, who won his second major at last month's PGA Championship, has been unwavering in his commitment to the PGA Tour and has been one of Ponte Vedra's most outspoken advocates.

His withdrawal comes just hours after Brooks Koepka withdrew, albeit under rather different circumstances—Koepka has been widely reported to be the next golfer set to jump to LIV Golf, though no official announcement has been made. On Tuesday, world No. 19 Abraham Ancer announced his decision to leave the PGA Tour for the rival circuit.

Thomas shot 72-74 over the weekend at the U.S. Open to finish in a tie for 37th at The Country Club. He is scheduled to play in the two-day J.P. McManus Pro-Am at the Adare Manor in Ireland on July 4-5 befoore playing in the Scottish Open (July 7-10) at the Rennaissance Club, which runs the week before the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews.