Current World Number One Dustin Johnson is questionable to compete in this year’s Masters after injuring his lower back in a freak accident at his rental home in Augusta on Wednesday. Johnson’s agent, David Winkle, released the following statement shortly afterward.
“At roughly 3:00 pm today, Dustin took a serious fall on a staircase in his Augusta rental home,” the statement read. “He landed very hard on his lower back and is now resting, although quite uncomfortably. He has been advised to remain immobile and begin a regimen of anti-inflammatory medication and icing, with the hope of being able to play tomorrow [Thursday].”
Masters favorite Dustin Johnson injures lower back after taking fall on stairs this afternoon. Manager says DJ “hopes” to play tomorrow. Wow
— Doug Ferguson (@dougferguson405) April 5, 2017
According to Golf World’s Tim Rosaforte, Johnson was on a short staircase going into the basement when his feet went out from under him. Johnson’s fiancée Paulina Gretzky said the fall “sounded like a huge thud.” When Johnson’s trainer Joey Diovisalvi walked into the house, Johnson’s first words were, “Dude, I can’t believe I did that.”
Johnson entered the week as the betting favorite coming off three consecutive wins including two World Golf Championships. He is scheduled to tee off at 2:03 on Thursday with two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and reigning PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker.
“We’re optimistic.” @CoachJoeyD told @siriusxm that he’s hopeful we’ll see @DJohnsonPGA play #themasters pic.twitter.com/UmSq8qdGvw
— Masters Radio on SXM (@SiriusXMPGATOUR) April 6, 2017
As of Thursday morning, Johnson’s team reports he is progressing and still hopes to tee it up in the afternoon.
“We got him to the point where he got mobility,” said Johnson’s trainer Joey Diovisalvi. “He was up and moving around and definitely going in the right direction. He was very much in an under control point going to bed last night.”
“Obviously disappointed that he fell. He told us, ‘I’m going to do everything I can to go out and play tomorrow,'” said Diovisalvi. “That basically is his attitude. He was playing with Tatum. Life sometimes happens. He’s not angry or upset, I’d say more discouraged.”
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