Share

BREAKING: World No 1 Dustin Johnson withdraws from Masters

Augusta - World number one Dustin Johnson withdrew from the 81st Masters on Thursday, walking off the first tee due to a back injury.

The reigning US Open champion had been a heavy favorite in the year's first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but suffered a lower back injury Wednesday in a fall down stairs at a rental house.

Johnson was seen walking back to the clubhouse shaking his head after undergoing a rigorous warm-up session before admitting defeat.

The 24-hour drama reached its emotional peak when Johnson arrived at the course and practiced his swings, hoping he could summon the strength to play through pain.

After a physical therapy session, Johnson tested his swing for several minutes under the watchful gaze of his caddie, brother Austin Johnson, and swing coach Butch Harmon, then returned for more therapy.

Johnson was to have joined two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and 2016 PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker in the day's final group.

Not since Rory McIlroy withdrew from the 2015 British Open has a world number one not played in a major championship.

The only other top-ranked player to miss the Masters was Tiger Woods, who did not play in 2014 after back surgery.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE