Bizarre accident puts world number one out of the Masters moments before he was due to start

Terrible luck.

Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the Masters before even taking a shot at the first golf major of the year. Johnson, the world number one, was forced to pull out of the prestigious tournament in Augusta, Georgia after injuring his lower back falling down stairs on Wednesday. The 32-year-old walked to the first hole on Thursday, with the intention of playing, but didn't take a shot and returned to the clubhouse before withdrawing from the tournament. Johnson was understandably disappointed about having to withdraw. He had been one of the favourites to win the tournament before play got underway. "It sucks. I want to play," the American told reporters.

"I'm playing the best golf of my life and to have a freak accident happen yesterday afternoon, it sucks really bad."

The golfer also explained how the accident occurred. Johnson was walking outside to move his car before his son returned from day care, and slipped on the stairs.

"I was wearing socks and slipped and went down the three stairs. The left side of my lower back took the brunt of it and my left elbow is bruised as well."