Dustin Johnson withdraws from the Masters

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Johnson (File/Staff)

Dustin Johnson, the world No. 1-ranked player, has withdrawn from the Masters Tournament, according to the PGA Tour. Earlier, he was on the grounds at Augusta National Golf Club in preparation for the first round of the Masters. He was scheduled to tee off in the final pairing at 2:03 p.m. with Bubba Watson and Jimmy Walker.

Johnson hit some shots at the practice facility. He went over to the first tee, but before he teed off he withdrew.

Johnson, who finished tied for sixth and tied for fourth the past two years in the Masters, injured his back Wednesday afternoon after a serious fall on a staircase at his Augusta rental home. According to his manager, David Winkle, Johnson took anti-inflammatory medicine, iced his back and rested after the fall.

Johnson entered the Masters on a high note after winning three tournaments in a row: the Genesis Open, WGC-Mexico and WGC-Dell Match Play.