Australia's Marc Leishman has withdrawn from the Masters due to personal reasons, tournament organisers announced on Wednesday.
Leishman's wife Audrey was taken ill with an apparent case of pneumonia last week and put into an induced coma in hospital.
"It is with both deep regret and incredible relief I am withdrawing from the Masters tournament this week," Leishman said in a statement. "My wife Audrey has survived a life threatening medical emergency and I have decided to remain by her side with our children.
"Thanks to an incredible team of doctors and nurses Audrey appears to be on the road to a full recovery. Our two young children remain blessed to have the world's best mum in their lives. I want to pass along our thanks to all who supported us through this difficult period.
"We ask that you keep Audrey in your thoughts and prayers and I wish my best to all of the competitors for a great 2015 Masters."
Leishman finished joint fourth at Augusta when fellow Australian Adam Scott won the Masters in 2013. He had been due to tee off at 11:03am local time on Thursday alongside former champion Ian Woosnam and Erik Compton. His withdrawal brings the field down to 97 players.
Source: PA-WIRE
