NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla., April 3 (UPI) -- Jack Nicklaus, who has won a record six green jackets, has withdrawn from next week's Masters because of lingering back problems.
The 62-year-old Nicklaus has been trying to get in shape for the past two months but was not up to competing in this week's Legends of Golf on the Senior Tour.
"My back is better and hopefully it will come around to the point where it will allow me to play in the not-so-distant future," he said.
It will be only the second time in 44 years Nicklaus has missed The Masters. He was unable to play in 1999 after undergoing hip-replacement surgery.
Nicklaus holds or is tied for at least 66 Masters' records, last winning it in 1986. In 1998, he tied for sixth at the age of 58.
"Needless to say, I have a special place in my heart for Augusta National and The Masters," he said. "And I will miss not playing there this year."
Nicklaus said he will attend the champions dinner next Tuesday at Augusta and is hopeful he will play in future Masters. He also is entered in this month's Tradition, the first major on the Senior Tour.
The incomparable Nicklaus has 70 PGA Tour titles, including a record 18 majors. Slowed by injuries over the past few years, he won the last of his 10 Senior titles in 1996.
