DeChambeau withdraws mid-tournament from LIV Golf Mexico City

Bryson DeChambeau has withdrawn from the LIV Golf Mexico City event, the latest setback in what has been a challenging season for the 2020 U.S. Open champion. DeChambeau made the decision to pull out during the third round on Sunday, citing physical discomfort that prevented him from continuing at Chapultepec Golf Club.

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The 31-year-old American, who won his second major title at Pinehurst No. 2 last June, had been struggling throughout the tournament. After opening rounds of 74 and 71, DeChambeau found himself well off the pace and ultimately decided his body could not handle continuing through the demanding altitude conditions in the Mexican capital.

"Bryson felt it was best to withdraw due to physical discomfort," a LIV Golf spokesperson confirmed. "He will be evaluated by medical staff and we will provide updates as they become available."

The withdrawal raises immediate questions about DeChambeau's readiness for the upcoming major championship season. With the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow coming up in May, DeChambeau will need to demonstrate his fitness and return to competitive form if he hopes to defend his U.S. Open title at Shinnecock Hills in June.

DeChambeau's season has been marked by inconsistency, with the muscular build that redefined his game now appearing to exact a physical toll. The bomb-and-gouge approach that brought him success has consistently pushed his body to its limits, and this latest issue suggests the demands may be catching up.

Fellow LIV Golf players expressed concern on social media following the news, with several wishing DeChambeau a speedy recovery. The league's medical team will be closely monitoring his progress as he looks to return to competition. With major season approaching, DeChambeau faces a race against time to prove his fitness and rediscover the form that made him a major champion just ten months ago.