Defending Zurich Classic champ Seung-Yul Noh of South Korea withdraws, citing back pain

AVONDALE, La. – Seung-Yul Noh won't be repeating as champion of New Orleans' PGA Tour stop.

Citing back pain, Noh has withdrawn from the Zurich Classic, pulling out in the middle of Friday's second round.

Noh, who began the day on the back-nine, birdied his first two holes and then made four straight pars. But after consecutive bogeys on his seventh and eighth holes, he decided to stop playing.

Noh was 1-over par for the tournament when he withdrew, more than 10 shots off the lead.

Last year, Noh secured what remains his only PGA Tour victory, by two shots, at the 7,425-yard TPC Louisiana.