LIV golfer forced to withdraw from tournament due to appendicitis

Marc Leishman was forced to withdraw from the UK event at JCB Golf and Country Club due to appendicitis. This news was announced by Ripper GC Captain, Cameron Smith, before the players teed off at LIV Golf UK. Smith explained that Leishman had to withdraw because of his medical condition, which was later confirmed by Leishman himself on social media. Leishman posted a photo from his hospital bed, giving a thumbs up with the caption: “Disappointed to have to WD this week but health always comes first. I came to England with an appendix and will leave without it! Appendicitis is no joke.”

Leishman underwent surgery on Saturday morning, but it remains uncertain whether the 40-year-old will be able to participate in the next LIV Golf event at Greenbrier from August 16th to 18th. Recovery from appendicitis can take between one to four weeks, depending on the type of surgery.

Due to the team format in the LIV Golf League, Ripper GC had to replace Leishman with fellow Australian Wade Ormsby for the remaining rounds on Saturday and Sunday. Ripper GC currently sits fourth in the LIV Golf Team standings.

Despite Leishman’s absence, Cameron Smith seemed to draw inspiration from the situation. He began the second day of LIV Golf UK with a strong performance, birdieing three of his first four holes after starting at the second in the shotgun start format. Although he bogeyed the sixth, Smith quickly recovered with birdies at the seventh, ninth, 11th, and 13th holes. Defending his LIV Golf UK title after his victory at Centurion in 2023, the 30-year-old was determined to put up a strong fight over the weekend.