Wednesday 8 April 2015 17:00, UK
Marc Leishman has withdrawn from this week's Masters as his wife recovers from a "life-threatening" illness.
Leishman's wife Audrey was placed in an induced coma at an urgent care centre near their Virginia Beach home earlier this week after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
The Australian has informed the Masters committee that he will not be competing at Augusta National this week as he remains with his wife and their two young children.
He issued a statement which read: "It is with both deep regret and incredible relief I am withdrawing from the Masters tournament this week.
"My wife Audrey has survived a life threatening medical emergency and I have decided to remain by her side with our children.
"Thanks to an incredible team of doctors and nurses Audrey appears to be on the road to a full recovery. Our two young children remain blessed to have the world's best mum in their lives. I want to pass along our thanks to all who supported us through this difficult period.
"We ask that you keep Audrey in your thoughts and prayers and I wish my best to all of the competitors for a great 2015 Masters."
He had been due to tee off at 11:03am local time on Thursday alongside former champion Ian Woosnam and Erik Compton.
The 31-year-old was in contention for the 2013 Masters title before finishing tied for fourth with Tiger Woods, behind his compatriots Jason Day and champion Adam Scott.
His withdrawal this year reduces the field to 97 players, as there are no alternates at Augusta National.
