Jason Day became the latest high-profile player to withdraw from the tournament on Tuesday, joining world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who decided to skip the event following his dominant victory at the Byron Nelson last weekend. Day’s spot in the field has been filled by Patrick Rodgers, though the Australian has yet to announce the reason behind his withdrawal.

The news follows Billy Horschel’s announcement that he’ll undergo right hip surgery next week in Colorado, forcing him to miss not only this event but potentially most of the remainder of the 2025 season.

Morikawa’s Perfect Storm

While Masters champion Rory McIlroy has emerged as the betting favorite, the circumstances appear ripe for Morikawa to make a statement in his first tournament with new caddie Joe Greiner.

The two-time major champion ended his six-year partnership with JJ Jakovac last week and specifically chose this event to debut his new partnership with Greiner, who most recently helped Justin Thomas end a three-year victory drought at the RBC Heritage.

Morikawa’s approach play has been stellar all season – he currently ranks second in Strokes Gained: Approach – and Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course with its demanding tee shots and premium on iron play should perfectly suit his game. Add in the fresh perspective from Greiner, who has experience winning with multiple players, and Morikawa appears primed for a breakthrough.

The California native has come close twice this season with runner-up finishes at The Sentry and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and has risen to fourth in the world rankings despite not having won since the 2023 Zozo Championship.

Star-Studded Field Still Remains

Despite the withdrawals, the field still features plenty of firepower. McIlroy seeks his fourth victory of 2025 after his career Grand Slam triumph at Augusta National. Meanwhile, Justin Thomas enters with renewed confidence following his win at Harbour Town, and Ludvig Åberg continues to impress after his Genesis Invitational victory earlier this season.

With next week’s PGA Championship looming at Quail Hollow, this week’s event provides the perfect final preparation for players looking to sharpen their games. For Morikawa, it represents not just a chance at the $3.6 million winner’s check, but momentum heading into a major championship where he’ll be seeking his third different major title.

The first round of the Truist Championship begins Thursday morning in Philadelphia, where a new caddie-player partnership might just walk away with the trophy.