PGA Championship 2023: LIV Golf's Paul Casey withdraws from Oak Hill due to … new shoes?!?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Paul Casey has withdrawn from the 2023 PGA Championship.

Casey, 45, cited injury as the reason for pulling out, but did not specify what might be ailing him. Last week, the Englishman played in the LIV Golf Tulsa event, finishing T-40 in the 48-player field.

Golf Channel reported that Casey had been trying new golf shoes recently and aggravated existing toe and knee injuries. He also has battled back problems throughout his career.

Casey had been given an invitation into the PGA Championship based on his previous performances in the event and his status as a European Ryder Cup player. Though he didn’t play in 2022 due back issues, he had contended in his past two PGA appearances, finishing T-2 at TPC Harding Park in 2020 and T-4 at Kiawah Island in 2021.

This was scheduled to be Casey’s 20th appearance at the PGA Championship. However, with LIV Golf remaining without World Ranking points, this was perhaps Casey’s last shot at the Wanamaker. Halfway through LIV Golf’s second season Casey is ranked 27th in the league’s individual standings and 142nd in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Taking Casey’s spot in the field is Sam Stevens. The first alternate is now Aaron Rai.