4/03/2012

Rory Paired with Angel and Bubba


US Open champion Rory McIlroy has been drawn with 2009 Masters champion Angel Cabrera and America's Bubba Watson for the opening two rounds at Augusta.

McIlroy, 22, was partnered with Cabrera when he had his final day collapse at the tournament last year, shooting 80.

Tiger Woods, who is bidding for his fifth Green Jacket, will play alongside Miguel Angel Jimenez and Bae Sang-moon.

England's world number one Luke Donald has been drawn with Italy's Francesco Molinari and American Nick Watney.

Craig Stadler, the 1982 champion, will get the competition under way at 1250 BST - 10 minutes after former champions Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have hit ceremonial drives from the opening tee as official starters.

America's three-time champion Phil Mickelson, compatriot Hunter Mahan, who won the Houston Open on Sunday, and Swede Peter Hanson, will be the final group out on Thursday at 1853 BST.

Lee Westwood, who finished as runner-up at Augusta in 2009, tees off with 2000 champion Vijay Singh of Fiji and Jim Furyk of the United States.

Open champion Darren Clarke will partner Japan's Ryo Ishikawa and American Fred Couples.

World number 12 Dustin Johnson has pulled out with a back injury, reducing the field to 96 players as there are no reserves.

"First I have to apologise to the fans and sponsors," Johnson tweeted. "With heartfelt regret, I won't be playing in the Masters due to a tweaked back. I'll have to root for my buddies!"



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