British Masters: Danny Willett withdraws due to back injury
Thursday 13 October 2016 19:22, UK
Danny Willett has been forced to withdraw from the British Masters after he suffered a back injury during Wednesday's pro-am.
Willett appeared to be in discomfort on the eve of the tournament as he clutched his lower back after hitting a drive late in his pro-am round, and he had hoped that treatment on Thursday morning would alleviate the problem.
But the Masters champion announced his withdrawal shortly before he was due to begin his first round at 12:35pm alongside fan-favourite Andrew "Beef" Johnston and in-form Swede Alex Noren.
Willett's place in the field was taken by first reserve Justin Walters, who is battling to make the Race to Dubai Final Series as he is currently ranked 105th in the order of merit and has not posted a top-10 finish since the Tshwane Open back in February.
The world No 9 later tweeted: "Very disappointing WD earlier. Very sorry to everyone, tried to warm up but body wouldn't let me move properly."
Meanwhile, Simon Dyson has also pulled out at The Grove due to a wrist injury, and he now looks certain to have to endure a trip to Qualifying School to retain his card.
The six-time European Tour winner came into the week on the back of five straight missed cuts which have seen him slump to 230th in the Race to Dubai.
Watch our extensive live coverage of the British Masters throughout the week on Sky Sports - your home of golf.
