Double Masters winning Bubba Watson has given the green light for Augusta National despite withdrawing with a back injury from this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Watson was at the Bay Hill course early this morning (Tuesday) local U.S. time and revealing on the advice of doctors he has pulled out of this week’s $US 6.2m event and the final event of the ‘Florida Swing’.

Watson has competed in the event nine times with a handful of top-10s.

Bubba Watson withdraws from this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.

“At Trump Doral in Miami I tweaked my back a little bit during the tournament and then felt it when seeing my therapist on the Saturday night who was trying to get all the aches and pains out, so that’s when I felt my back,” he said.

“I haven’t touched a club since that event so I just want to rest and be ready not only for Augusta but then the Match-Play is coming up next week so I am taking this week off, and just deciding what will be best for me for the rest of the year what with the Olympics and the Ryder Cup.

“No, it will not affect my Masters preparations and  if anything, it helps as it gives me a break from the mental grind of a tournament but also the Masters so it’s just that much more, the mental grind.”

And Watson has expressed regret Arnold Palmer will not compete in the ‘Opening Tee Shot’ of the 2016 Masters.

“It’s sad to see but you know his presence in turning up to his own tournament this week and then Augusta in a few weeks time is very special,” said Watson.

However Palmer will travel to Augusta to attend the ‘Former Champions Dinner’ on the Tuesday night and also is expected to be on the tee accompanying Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus on the first tee on Thursday but due to a recent shoulder injury, Palmer will not play a shot.