Spaun Withdraws From Tour Championship With Shoulder Injury

J.J. Spaun withdrew from the Tour Championship after five holes of the opening round at East Lake due to a persistent right shoulder injury. The 36-year-old, the 2025 U.S. Open champion, was four over par when he left, and his early exit reduced the field from 30 to 29 players. Spaun entered the week in 22nd in the FedExCup standings and remains a potential Presidents Cup captain’s pick, a status that could be affected by the injury. He explained that the pain had flared up and that continuing could cause further damage, prompting him to take time off to assess and recover. The withdrawal comes as the Tour Championship faces ongoing coverage and notes that future editions will move to a new format starting in 2028.