Will Zalatoris has become the latest star to pull out of The Masters, after his withdrawal from the tournament was confirmed just before he was set to kick off his opening round.
Zalatoris has announced himself as one of golf's hottest young stars in over the past two seasons, having found himself in contention at some of the sport's biggest tournaments. In 2021 - aged just 24 - the American was just one shot from becoming a Masters champion after finishing second behind Hideki Matsuyama on debut.
One year later, his impressive performances at Augusta National continued as the FedEx St Jude champion secured a tied-sixth finish at the 2022 event.
His chances to add to his glittering Masters record have been wiped this time around though after his absence was confirmed in round one. Zalatoris was set to partner US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and Colin Morikawa on Thursday and Friday.
The 26-year-old is not the only player to pull out of the opening major of the year, after it was confirmed that LIV Golf star Kevin Na had pulled out. Na got a little further than Zalatoris after completing the nine holes before calling time on his tournament.
It was no doubt a nine holes to forget for the American though, as he played carded a four-over 40 before heading back to the locker room. Na's withdrawal means 17 LIV Golf players remain in the field, in their controversial return to the PGA Tour.
Of the 18 who headed to Augusta National, six of them are past champions with Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson all accepted their honorary invitations to compete at this week's event.
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