Sungjae Im's caddie has a promising update for golf fans. Will Wilcox confirmed Im is returning from a wrist injury and will compete at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The news comes after a frustrating delay that sidelined the golfer since January.

Speaking later, on Monday, during an appearance on Dan on Golf, Will Wilcox confirmed:

“The wait is finally over. I’m en route to Orlando to loop for Sunjae at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It’s been a tough delay. I had my flight booked to the West Coast, everything was set, and then on January 7, I got a text about a wrist impingement. That changed the plan."

The discomfort led Im to withdraw before the event began. Some reports also mentioned neck discomfort, but the primary concern remained the wrist.

On January 16, 2026, Im posted a photo on Instagram showing his wrist in a brace, confirming the injury. Because of that, he pulled out of early-season tournaments, including The Genesis Invitational. 

The withdrawals delayed the start of his 2026 campaign and interrupted his usual playing rhythm. So, instead of opening the season on schedule, he shifted his focus to recovery.

Reflecting on the 2024 Woori Financial Group Championship winner's current condition, Wilcox said, “He’s good now. He’s hitting balls and has been practicing for almost two weeks.”

After medical evaluation, Im began rehabilitation. His rehabilitation involved rest and a gradual return to practice to ensure the wrist responded well.

Wilcox also explained that during the layoff, he remained active, played golf himself, and prepared for the restart while waiting for Im’s return.

Before his caddie addressed the situation, Sungjae Im also spoke through his management company.

Sungjae Im Responds Through All That Sports After Injury

Last month, on February 19, Sungjae Im addressed the situation through his management company, All That Sports.

Through the agency, he said, “I am frustrated and disappointed that I have been unable to compete due to an unexpected injury. I'd like to thank the fans for waiting for a long time, and I'll greet you with a good look starting with the Arnold Palmer Invitational.”

His history at Bay Hill suggests a strong comeback is possible.

Im has made seven starts at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and has finished inside the top 25 each time. His highest results came in 2019 and 2020, when he posted consecutive third-place finishes.

Can Sungjae Im turn his return at Bay Hill into a momentum shift for 2026?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar