Brooks Koepka has ruled himself out of the Masters as he continues to recover from a wrist injury, according to reports in the United States.
The US Open champion has been out of action since suffering a partially torn tendon in his left wrist at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii in the first week of 2018.
Koepka began intensive treatment in the hope of being ready for the opening major of the year at Augusta National in a fortnight, but he has been told by medical advisors that he will be far from 100 per cent fit.
The former European Challenge Tour graduate, who clinched his first major title with an impressive four-shot win at Erin Hills last June, has apparently just been cleared to practice putting and will move on to short-game drills next week.
But Koepka conceded he will not be fit enough to contend at Augusta, where he finished in a tie for 11th last year, and he does not want to risk causing further damage which could lead to another lengthy absence.
USA Today quoted Koepka as saying: "They said I would be about 80 per cent, but I can't play 80 per cent. I either have to go full bore or not at all. I don't want to risk getting it re-injured and then be out a long time."
The world No 9 will now focus on being ready for the defence of his US Open title at Shinnecock Hills in June, although he remains unable to confirm a date for his possible comeback.