Dustin Johnson apologises for withdrawal from Texas Open ahead of Masters defence

Masters champion will focus on his preparation for the defence of his title at Augusta

Dustin Johnson in action at the WGC-Dell Match Play (Getty Images)

Masters champion Dustin Johnson has apologised for withdrawing from this week’s Valero Texas Open, just days after making a late entry into the event.

Johnson committed to the tournament at TPC Antonio on Friday, the same day he was eliminated from the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in the group stages.

However, the world number one has changed his mind and will work on his game at home ahead of the defence of his Masters title at Augusta National next week.

“After much careful thought over the weekend, I have decided to withdraw from the Texas Valero Open,” Johnson said in a statement. “I now plan to spend the week at home in preparation for next week’s Masters.

“I sincerely apologise to the sponsors at Valero and all my friends in San Antonio, as I realize this is disappointing news. Nonetheless, I have no doubt it will be another great week for the Valero Texas Open.”

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Seven English players named Walker Cup team

Amateur champion Joe Long is one of seven English players named in the 10-man Great Britain and Ireland team for next month’s Walker Cup.

Long, who beat practice partner Joe Harvey to lift the title at Royal Birkdale in August, is joined in the side by compatriots Barclay Brown, Alex Fitzpatrick, Angus Flanagan, Ben Jones, Matty Lamb and Ben Schmidt.

Scotland’s Sandy Scott and the Irish pair of John Murphy and Mark Power make up the team which will attempt to win back the trophy at Seminole in Florida from 8-9 May. England’s Jack Dyer and Jake Bolton are the travelling reserves.

The United States won by five points at Royal Liverpool two years ago, the first away victory in the biennial contest since their 2007 success at Royal County Down.

Scott and Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of European Tour player Matt, are the only survivors from the 2019 defeat.

GB&I captain Stuart Wilson said: “The Walker Cup is the pinnacle of the amateur game for these players and we are delighted that they will have the opportunity to compete against their counterparts from the USA at Seminole.

“It gives them the opportunity to display their exceptional talent and will provide a lifetime of memories.

“After a difficult year with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all looking forward to the match this year and I know the team will be doing their very best to win back the Walker Cup.”

PA