Kiradech Aphibarnrat withdraws with injury, secures Masters spot

PAK CHONG, Thailand (AP) -- Kiradech Aphibarnrat has withdrawn from an Asian Tour satellite event with a back injury, meaning the Thai golfer will finish the year at No. 49 in the world and earn an invitation to the Masters.

The top 50 in the final world ranking of 2017 earn spots at Augusta National.

Kiradech is No. 51 this week and was projected to move to No. 49 provided he didn't play. However, he qualified for the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, named after an esteemed player and pioneer in the development of Thai golf. By adding the tournament, Kiradech would have needed a top-10 finish to secure his spot in the Masters.

The Asian Development Tour said he withdrew before the first round.

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