Jason Day’s Masters dream was the major factor in his withdrawal from the WGC Cadillac Championship.

Day was set to start the lucrative no-cut event with marquee pairing Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy at Trump National Doral but pulled the pin with a grade one strain in his ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb.

Fresh from winning the WGC Match Play Championship two weeks ago, the world No.4 was expected to contend heavily in Miami but did not want to risk further injury before next month’s Masters tournament.

He completed his full warm-up at Doral on Thursday but felt pain through his thumb and hand through impact with his longer clubs and decided not to play.

“My left thumb was bothering me at the Match Play Championship and the pain continued here this week,” Day said.

“I had an MRI yesterday here in Miami, which fortunately was negative, but the doctor prescribed rest.

“I wanted to see if I could play, but it didn’t feel right.

“My plan is to rest for a couple of weeks. I’m sorry to miss the Cadillac Championship. It looks like it’s going to be a great event.”

Day is due to play the Arnold Palmer Invitational from March 20-23 before lining up at the Masters from April 10-13.

The Queenslander has finished second and third in two of his three trips to Augusta National and was forced to withdraw on the other occasion during play with an ankle injury.

Earlier this week, the 26-year-old reiterated his focus on winning a green jacket.

“I’ve always wanted to win the Masters so I’m not going to stop until I achieve that or I injure myself trying and I’m done in the game,” he said.

“I want it more than anything else.”