Coody withdraws from Houston, Masters hopes in jeopardy

Pierceson Coody withdrew before the start of Friday's second round at the Houston Open due to a back injury.

The untimely ailment likely will end Coody's bid to secure a late invitation to the Masters.

Coody entered the week ranked No 51 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

With the top 50 in OWGR after this week earning a trip to Augusta National, Coody now must win next week's Valero Texas Open in order to qualify.

Coody carded an even-par 70 on Thursday to reside seven strokes back of leader Paul Waring of England.

The 26-year-old Coody is the grandson of 1971 Masters champion Charles Coody.