Six-time US Masters winner Jack Nicklaus has pulled out of this year's tournament in Augusta because of lingering back problems.
The 62-year-old has also withdrawn from this week's Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf event.
Nicklaus stated on his own website Nicklaus.com: "I have tried over the last couple of months to get my body and my golf game in shape to play at the Legends and possibly The Masters.
"While encouraged, I made a decision today that neither is at the point I hoped they'd be at this stage.
"As much as I'd like to play in both the Legends and the Masters, I do not think my golf game is suitable right now for the competition."
"My back is better and hopefully it will come around to the point where it will allow me to play golf in the not-so-distant future.
"I really miss competitive golf. It's in my blood and I very much look forward to playing again soon.
PA