The 2017 champion was one of the favourites to lift the Wanamaker Trophy but announced on Monday he would not contest the year's second major, held at New York City's iconic Bethpage Black golf course.

It is the same wrist ailment that kept him out of the PGA Tour's recent Wells Fargo tournament.

"Obviously, as a past champion, this tournament is extra special to me," Thomas said in a statement released on Twitter.

"It consistently has the strongest field in golf and I'm disappointed to not be among those competing this year, but I'm optimistic about a return in the near future."

The injury cruels World No.5 Thomas's momentum having built a strong start to the PGA Tour season.

The 26-year-old finished tied for 12th at the Masters, his most recent tournament, while he has four top-3s and another top-10 this year.

Thomas, who averages 302.2 yards in driving distance on the PGA Tour, was tipped as one of the players to watch around the hilly, 7,500-yard Bethpage Black.

American golfer Kelly Kraft will take Thomas's spot in the 156-player field.

- Evin Priest, Australia Associated Press