Sim withdraws from the Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga., April 2 (UPI) -- Masters officials announced Friday Michael Sim has withdrawn from next week's tournament because of a shoulder injury.

The Australian had been scheduled to play in the Masters for the first time. He had earned an invitation by moving into the top 50 in the world rankings at the end of last week's action -- standing in 43rd place.

Sim led the Nationwide Tour in earnings last year and made the cut in five of his first six appearances on the PGA Tour this season.

Because there are no alternates in the Masters field, Sim will not be replaced. The tournament begins next Thursday.