Branden Grace FORCED out of LIV Golf Bangkok Invitational

Branden Grace was forced to withdraw from the LIV Golf Bangkok Invitational on Saturday after suffering an injury three holes into the second round.

Grace, 34, noticed some pain on the driving range on Saturday and after finishing the 3rd hole at Stonehill Golf Course, he lay on the floor and received treatment from physiotherapist Cornel Driessen.

He withdrew from the tournament with an acute muscle strain while on 8-under-par and he will receive 0 points in the individual standings. It is unclear if he will be fit enough to play in the Jeddah Invitational next week where the individual series champion is crowned.

There is also a doubt as to whether he'll be able to compete for Stinger GC at the Team Championship in Miami, an event worth $50 million which begins on October 28.

The @LIVGolfInv family & all your fans wish you a speedy recovery @BrandenGrace pic.twitter.com/X4kpIdIId5

— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) October 8, 2022

Grace entered the week in Thailand second in the individual standings and another good finish would've put him in position A to win the $18 million individual prize next week. 

"Chances are slim, but we first have to do a thorough investigation. It might be a slight strain, but if there’s a small tear, no chance. We’ll see," Driessen said.

"It’s very likely a strained intercostal muscle or oblique muscle. If he keeps on swinging, it makes it worse. We don’t want to risk long-time injury or damage."

The South African won the second LIV Golf event in Portland and in his LIV career so far, he has earned $7,583,666. Only Dustin Johnson has earned more after five events.

Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra shot a superb 63 in the second round in Thailand to lead by five shots heading into the final day.