McDowell withdraws in Texas

Bruced

Graeme McDowell pulled out of the Valero Texas Open on Thursday because of an ankle injury.

Having suffered the injury during a practice round on Wednesday, McDowell laboured through nine holes of his first round in five over par before calling it a day.

The Northern Irishman tweeted: “Apologies to everyone at @valerotxopen for my withdrawal. Strained my lower left leg/ankle area practicing y/day and played with heavy strapping on it in the pro am and this morning.

“With The Masters upcoming I decided that getting fit is imperative. Don’t like WDs.

“The week here at @valerotxopen had everything I wanted. Great people and great course. Disappointed this has happened. Thanks to everyone.”

The Masters begins at Augusta National on April 9.