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By Joel Beall
Dustin Johnson withdrew from the Valero Texas Open Monday.

The news is a bit of a surprise. Johnson was not expected to play in the sport’s final tune-up for the Masters, but committed to the event at TPC San Antonio last Friday after not advancing to the weekend at the WGC-Match Play in Austin. As of writing, no reason was given for the decision.

The World No. 1 is the defending Masters champ and remains the betting favourite. Since his triumph at Augusta National last fall, Johnson has made five starts on the PGA Tour, his best finish a T-8 at the Genesis Invitational. Johnson also played in the European Tour’s Saudi International, winning the event by two over Tony Finau and Justin Rose.

Johnson will be replaced in the field by Ryan Brehm.