Three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo has pulled out of the Augusta event during his first round with a bad back. At four over par after eight holes, the 47-year-old Englishman was struggling.
Clearly in discomfort, Faldo, who won the Green Jacket in 1989, 1990 and 1996, walked off the course at the ninth hole.
"I can't complete the backswing or a follow through," said Faldo, who has missed the cut five times in his last eight Masters.
"It's mega-tight when I walk then it really bites when I try to swing.
"It went on my third shot, just a wedge shot, on hole number two. I have a niggle with it and it's given in.
"I can hit a bag of drivers but when I take out the wedge it goes. I guess it is the change of angle." Faldo had been playing with American duo Chris Riley and Joe Ogilvie before his injury setback.
Faldo said he has been receiving treatment for his back pain for the last 18 months.
"It's an ongoing thing but I didn't expect this. This of all weeks - good timing!
"I warmed up fine, but it got worse and worse so I can't stand on the up slopes and down slopes. The way this course is that doesn't help.
"I will go and hang upside down like a fruit bat or something to try to stretch it out."
MMIX
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I would never write this man off - but the game has changed
