01 April 2023 , 16:13
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Aaron Wise revealed he would not be competing at this year's Masters in order to prioritise his mental wellbeing.
Wise, who was named 2018 PGA Tour rookie of the year, took to Instagram to announce the news ahead of the iconic first major of the year which gets underway next Thursday.
Wise wrote on Instagram: "Regretfully, I am withdrawing from The Masters today. Golf is just as much a mental game as it is one of physical skill, and the mental piece of it has been a struggle for me recently.
"I don’t take the significance of playing at Augusta lightly, but know that I need to take some time away to focus on my mental health so I can get back to competing at a level I am proud of."
He signed the announcement off on social media with: "This hurts, but it's needed. See you all soon."
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American star Wise emerged as a huge talent on the PGA Tour, winning the 2018 AT&T Byron Nelson Championship. The victory had lifted him from 99th in the world to a then career-best 66th in the world rankings. And in the same year he claimed the PGA Tour rookie of the year prize.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a great 2021-22 also, finishing runner-up at the Memorial Tournament which secured him a 13th-placed finish in the FedEx Cup standings.
Scottie Scheffler will be looking to defend his Green Jacket at Augusta (Getty Images)However, since his victory in 2018, he has yet to re-enter the winner's circle and has endured a tough start to the 2023 season.
Wise had earned a spot into the Masters this year by ending 2022 inside the top 50 in the world.
His only Masters appearance to date came in 2019 when he placed tied 17th in what turned out to be one of the most incredible majors ever with Tiger Woods remarkably landing his fifth Green Jacket.