Golfer's Fall Down the Stairs Shakes Up Masters

No. 1 golfer Dustin Johnson slips and hurts his back
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 6, 2017 7:54 AM CDT
3 Steps at a Rental Home Just Shook Up the Masters
Dustin Johnson hits from a bunker to the second green during a practice round at the Masters golf tournament, April 4 in Augusta, Ga.   (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

The first golfers at the Masters teed off Thursday morning, but the tournament's biggest development may have occurred before the first shot. On Wednesday, the No. 1 golfer in the world slipped on steps at his rental home in Augusta, Ga., and wrenched his back, reports ESPN. That would be American Dustin Johnson, and it sounds painful: His trainer says he was heading out to the garage to move his car when he slipped on three wooden steps and came down on his back and elbows.

"He landed very hard on his lower back and is now resting, although quite uncomfortably," David Winkle said Wednesday. "He has been advised to remain immobile and begin a regiment of anti-inflammatory medication and icing, with the hope of being able to play." Johnson was due to tee off in the last group about 2pm Thursday, though it remained unclear whether he'll be able to do so. Even if he can, it's expected to hinder his play. "There is the adage of 'beware the injured golfer' but there is no doubt this is a significant blow for Johnson," notes the BBC. (More golf stories.)

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