Friday 27 March 2015 20:24, UK
Graeme McDowell has been forced to withdraw from the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio with an ankle injury.
The Northern Irishman suffered the problem during practice on Wednesday and, although he managed to play his opening nine holes on Thursday, he pulled out of the tournament before setting his sights on getting fit for the Masters.
McDowell, tweeted: "Apologies to everyone at @valerotxopen for my withdrawal. Strained my lower left leg/ankle area practicing y/day and played with heavy strapping on it in the pro am and this morning.
"With The Masters upcoming I decided that getting fit is imperative. Don't like WDs.
"The week here at @valerotxopen had everything I wanted. Great people and great course. Disappointed this has happened. Thanks to everyone."
McDowell, playing with his leg strapped up after receiving physiotherapy, was five-over at the TPC San Antonio when he withdrew, having started on the back nine.
Playing alongside Dustin Johnson and Jim Furyk, the former US Open winner posted five bogeys and was seeing putting with a wedge before withdrawing from the event.
The Masters begins at Augusta National on April 9, with McDowell now planning to feature at next week's Shell Houston Open as part of his preparation.
