The Spanish star had opened with a one-under par 71 at Sawgrass and was due to play with second-ranked Scottie Scheffler and third-ranked Rory McIlroy in the second round at the Stadium Course on Friday.

But he pulled out some 30 minutes before his tee time with what his manager referred to as a "bad stomach bug."

Rahm already is a three-time winner on the PGA Tour this year, allowing him to regain the No.1 ranking, but Scheffler and McIlroy could overtake him this week.