Two-time winner Jose Maria Olazabal has revealed he will not compete in the Masters next month due arthritis.
Olazabal has not played competitive golf since the second round at Augusta National last year due to pain in his joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
The 50-year-old Spaniard, who won his first green jacket in 1994 and a second in 1999, said in a statement: " I am sorry to announce that I'm unable to attend this year as I am not feeling well.
"The Masters is very special to me, and walking up Magnolia Lane gives me a peace of mind like nowhere else. I have wonderful memories since my first time at Augusta in 1985 as an amateur, not just of the two wins but from the many great experiences that make it a unique event.
"It's been very tough being at home these last few months doing nothing. Now, I'm feeling better. I hit a bucket of balls every morning and spend 45 minutes on the putting green. I practice for about three hours. I don't set myself goals or dates - time will tell.
"I have regular tests and they show some improvement, which is a good sign, but the main thing is to get rid of pain. It's a slow process and I have to be very patient."
Olazabal has suffered from similar problems several times in his career and feared he might be confined to a wheelchair after missing the 1996 Masters and being sidelined for 18 months.
Source: PA
