The Masters: Zalatoris pulls out of opening round through injury

Will Zalatoris has withdrawn from the Masters ahead of his first round with a reported back injury, ruling the 2021 runner-up out at Augusta National.

The 26-year-old had been due to take to the tee with Matt Fitzpatrick and Collin Morikawa on Thursday's opening day in Georgia.

A one-time PGA Tour winner, having claimed his maiden crown at the FedEx St. Jude Championship last August, Zalatoris would have been chasing a first major.

He previously finished second in 2021 at the Masters, and was the runner-up at last year's PGA Championship and US Open.

Due to injury, @WillZalatoris has officially withdrawn from the Masters Tournament prior to starting his first round. #themasters
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 6, 2023