What a difference a year made for Jason Day.
After posting a record equalling second round 64 at the Masters 12 months ago, Day was a dejected man when forced to withdraw after just seven and a half holes with a painful ankle strain.
The 2011 runner-up strained his left ankle in training last week and despite doing damage requiring two to six weeks recovery time, the Queenslander tried to front up for a chance at a green jacket.
He struggled to a four over 76 opening round and was one-over through seven holes when he eventually pulled the plug.
“I’m obviously disappointed to be forced to withdraw from the Masters,” Day said.
“My ankle has been bothering me since last week but I wanted to give it a try.
“Unfortunately the pain made it difficult to walk and near impossible to compete.
“The Masters is my favourite event and I look forward to returning in the future.”
The trouble was noticeable on just the second hole when Day attempted to hit a three wood into the par five only to lose his swing and flail the ball well right.
The 24-year-old hobbled down the steep hill and became progressively worse as time went on.
“He had difficult planting his foot and even walking,” Day’s manager Bud Martin confirmed.
“Jason is quite disappointed, as he had been looking forward to returning to the Masters and doing well again.”
Martin said it was too early to speculate how long Day might be out of action until his medical team assessed the damage, but expected he’d be resting up at least a fortnight.