Sport Book Service | Dustin Johnson withdraws from the Masters after failing to fully recover from back injury

Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the Masters.

The world No 1 and hot tournament favourite failed to fully recover from a back injury sustained after falling down stairs.

Dustin Johnson, the world No 1, has withdrawn from the MastersCredit: Getty Images

Dustin Johnson is mobbed by reporters after he withdraws from the MastersCredit: Getty Images

Johnson said of his withdrawal: "I slipped going down the stairs and landed on my lower back.

"It's really tight, I was making some swings on the range and could go max about 80 per cent.

"My backswing was fine but every time down at impact it would catch.

"I don't feel like there's any chance of me competing. It hurts. I was doing everything I could to try to play.

"It sucks. I want to play. I'm playing probably the best golf of my career and this is one of my favourite tournaments of the year.

"To have a freak accident happen yesterday after I got back from the course sucks, it sucks really bad."

Explaining exactly what happened, Johnson added: "Tatum [son], was on his way home from day care, it was pouring down with rain, I was going to move the car, I was just wearing my socks, and I slipped going down the stairs.

Dustin Johnson grimaces while trying to swing a clubCredit: Reuters

Dustin Johnson exits Augusta after withdrawing due to a back injuryCredit: Getty Images

"It would have been better if it was a full set of stairs because I would have slid down. But I landed at the bottom. My left elbow is swollen and bruised.

"It feels like in two days Ill be fine. If it happened on Monday I dont think wed have any issues."

Butch Harmon, Johnson's coach, said: "He was going to see if he could play. He didn't want to waste his time and embarrass himself. Just looks like he couldn't go.

"I said, 'If you don't feel like your body will let you play then don't do it. I know it's a Major and you want to play but don't do it if it hurts your body. If you feel you can't make a swing then don't do it'.

"He said, 'I'm going to give it a chance'.

"He got over to the putting green and he probably felt his body shut down. And when it does that you can't go."

Butch Harmon walked onto the practice ground with Dustin Johnson but his man withdrewCredit: Getty Images

Dustin Johnson appeared in pain while trying to warm upCredit: Getty Images

Johnson managed to fit in a shortened practice session on the range before attempting to play his first round and also went to thepractice putting green.

But after a crazy hour, in which reports said he would tee off, Johnson decided the pain was too much.

He actually got onto the first tee before deciding to withdraw and begin the walk back to the clubhouse.

This is just the second time in history the best-ranked golfer in the world will not play in the Masters.

The first was Tiger Woods in 2014.