Willett out of British Masters with back problem

Danny Willett has been forced to withdraw from the British Masters due to a troublesome back injury.

Sheffield-born Willett, who was amongst the favourites to win the tournament at the Grove, had been struggling with the problem since the Pro-Am event on Wednesday.

The Englishman, who clinched his maiden major title at the Masters back in April this year, will now take some time away from the course in order to recuperate for the Race to Dubai.

It is a huge disappointment for the 29-year-old, who was hoping to put his Ryder Cup debacle behind him, having won no points for Europe in three attempts at Hazeltine.

Willett has now been replaced in the British Masters field by South Africa’s Justin Walters, who is yet to record a victory on either PGA or European Tour at the age of 35.

Two more Englishman have also retired from the competition with Simon Dyson, who signed for an 11-over-par 82 on day one, pulling out due to a wrist injury.

Seve Benson is another that will not be seen on the course on Friday after walking off because of an unspecified reason, having been seven-over-par with just eight holes played.

Tagged British Masters, Danny Willett