Darren Clarke pulls out of Masters due to injury

Darren Clarke has withdrawn from this week’s Masters because of a hamstring injury.

The 2011 Open champion suffered the injury on holiday in the Bahamas last week and will remain on the Caribbean island for further treatment.

Clarke hoped intensive treatment would speed his recovery and enable him to make the trip to Augusta, but he admitted defeat on Monday and revealed his disappointment at having to pull out.

“It is with deep regret that I will not be able to play at Augusta this year,” said Clarke.

“Playing in The Masters is one of golf’s greatest pleasures and I am very disappointed to be missing out.”

Clarke’s withdrawal means a field of 93 will start the tournament on Thursday – there are no alternates for the first major championship of the season.