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Dustin Johnson falls down stairs at Masters rental home, injures lower back

Dustin Johnson is questionable to play in the Masters after hurting his back in a fall. (AP)
Dustin Johnson is questionable to play in the Masters after hurting his back in a fall. (AP)

Dustin Johnson fell down a set of stairs at his Masters rental home on Wednesday, injuring his lower back.

Johnson’s agent, David Winkle of Hambric Sports, termed a “serious fall” in Johnson’s Augusta rental home, saying the world No. 1 landed “very hard” on his lower back and elbows, according to an email sent to Golf Channel and other outlets. Johnson is hopeful to compete in the Masters stating Thursday.

The reigning U.S. Open champion has been advised to rest and has been taking anti-inflammatory medication.

Fortunately, Johnson has the final tee time on Thursday with two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson and reigning PGA champion Jimmy Walker. They start their first round a 2:03 p.m. Eastern, giving Johnson the maximum amount of time to feel ready to chase a first Masters title.

Johnson comes into the Masters having won his last three starts heading, taking the Genesis Open to become world No. 1 for the first time, then winning the WGC-Mexico Championship and the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. The South Carolina native is looking for a second major championship in his last four major appearances, winning his maiden major at Oakmont in June 2016 at the U.S. Open.


Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.