Lee Westwood Sidelined from LIV Golf Season Opener with Wrist Injury
In a significant development for the upcoming LIV Golf season, veteran player Lee Westwood has announced his withdrawal from the season-opening events. The Majesticks GC co-captain revealed through social media that he sustained a wrist injury during practice sessions, forcing him to miss tournaments in Riyadh and Adelaide.
Westwood's Official Statement and Recovery Timeline
Westwood shared his disappointment via Twitter, stating: "Unfortunately, I won't be in Riyadh or Adelaide for the start of the LIV Golf season, but I will be supporting Majesticks GC from afar." He elaborated that the injury occurred while preparing for the first event and, although not serious, requires careful management of his repetition count over coming weeks.
The English golfer provided specific details about his absence and anticipated return:
- Will miss both Riyadh and Adelaide LIV Golf events this month
- Medical professionals have advised approximately one month of recovery
- Scheduled to return for LIV Golf Hong Kong from March 5-8, 2026
- Ben Schmidt will replace him in the upcoming tournaments
Historical Context and LIV Golf Concerns
Westwood's absence marks a rare occurrence for the consistent player. His last missed LIV Golf event was the Tulsa tournament in May 2023, making this withdrawal particularly notable. This development follows Phil Mickelson's similar absence from the Riyadh event in 2025 due to shoulder issues.
The timing raises questions about LIV Golf's scheduling and player management:
- Both veteran withdrawals involve season-opening events
- Riyadh events are scheduled for evening times to accommodate Eastern Time zone viewers
- This marks the second consecutive year with notable player absences from key tournaments
Impact on Majesticks GC and Tournament Dynamics
Despite Westwood's absence, the Majesticks GC team and LIV Golf organization appear prepared for this development. The team has secured replacement player Ben Schmidt for both affected events. Westwood emphasized his continued support for the team, stating he looks forward to "starting my season in Hong Kong and wish Majesticks Golf Club all the best under the lights & down under."
The situation highlights the physical demands of professional golf preparation and the careful balance players must maintain between training intensity and injury prevention. As LIV Golf continues to establish its tournament calendar and global presence, player availability for marquee events remains crucial for the league's competitive integrity and viewer engagement.
