A past Players champion has withdrawn ahead of his first-round tee time.

Jason Day withdrew Thursday morning before the opening round of the 2025 Players Championship, citing illness. Day came into the PGA Tour’s marquee event as one of the favorites, following on the footsteps of his T-8 finish last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Day hasn’t missed a cut in six starts this year, with his best finish being T-3 at the American Express.

Danny Walker replaced Day in the field.

Later in the first round, Victor Perez withdrew, meaning Ricky Castillo got his spot in the field.