Dustin Johnson WDs from Byron Nelson

Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the AT&T Byron Nelson.

The World No. 1 pulled out of the Texas event Monday afternoon, citing knee discomfort as the reason for the WD.

“Unfortunately, the knee discomfort I occasionally experience has returned and after consultation with my team and trainers, I feel it is best that I remain at home and focus on my rehabilitation work,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am not pleased about this situation, as I was really looking forward to playing this week. I have several friends in the Dallas area, many of whom I have met through their involvement with the tournament, so I hate to let them down. I apologize to all of them and especially the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and our sponsors at AT&T. You have my word I will be back in the future and in the meantime, I wish you best of luck for a great week at the TPC Craig Ranch. I am truly sorry I won’t be there with you.”

The decision comes a week before the PGA Championship, held in Johnson’s native South Carolina at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course. The World No. 1 has not been his historically dominant self since his 2020 Masters breakthrough with just one top-20 finish in his past six outings, including a missed cut at Augusta National in his title defense.

Still, only Rory McIlroy entered Monday with lower PGA Championship odds than Johnson’s 12/1 mark. Johnson, 36, has finished runner-up at the past two PGA Championships.

Greg Chalmers replaces Johnson in the Nelson field.