Hideki Matsuyama entered the Valero Texas Open as a tune-up with the 2022 Masters set to immediately follow the tournament. Unfortunately, Matsuyama had to withdraw in the second round due to a neck injury after playing nine holes. With his participation at Augusta in doubt, Matsuyama will now have to shift his focus to getting his body ready with just six days to go until the tournament begins, as reported by ESPN.

Six days before the start of the 86th Masters, defending champion Hideki Matsuyama was forced to withdraw from the second round of the Valero Texas Open on Friday because of a neck injury.

Matsuyama, who played nine holes at the Texas Open, had to withdraw in the second round. The number-12 ranked golfer in the PGA, Matsuyama became the first man from Japan to win a major and the first Asian man to take home the green jacket at the Masters in 2021.

However, this ill-timed neck injury could throw a wrench in the 30-year-old's plans. It's not the only injury Matsuyama has dealt with, as he also had to withdraw from the Player's Championship in March due to a back injury.

Matsuyama hasn't completed a tournament since the Arnold Palmer Invitational in early March. There's still a chance that he can prepare in time to defend his title at Augusta. Stay tuned.