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There can surely be no more brutal time to suffer an injury than in the days leading up to a major.

That is precisely what has happened to Sahith Theegala.

The world No.31 has been forced to withdraw from the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow after failing to recover from the neck injury that resulted in his early exit from last week’s Truist Championship.

Theegala, 27, pulled out ahead of the final round at Philadelphia Cricket Club and had been hoping to be fit enough to take his place in the second men’s major of the year.

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However, a short statement released by the PGA of America confirmed that the American – a member of the US side that won the Presidents Cup last year – is officially out.

His place in the field has been taken by compatriot Alex Smalley, the 28-year-old set to make his third career PGA start in his adopted home state of North Carolina.