Darren Clarke withdraws from Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga., April 8 (UPI) -- Darren Clarke, the 2011 British Open champion, said Monday he withdrew from this week's Masters because of a hamstring injury.

"It is with deep regret that I will not be able to play at Augusta this year," the veteran from Northern Ireland said on his website. "Playing in the Masters is one of golf's greatest pleasures and I am very disappointed to be missing out."

Clarke has played in the Masters 11 times. His best finish was a tie for eighth place in 1998, the first time he competed in the event.