The incident occurred after Johnson returned to his rented home in Augusta when the traditional Par-3 tournament was abandoned because of severe weather warnings that closed the course.

A statement issued by his manager, David Winkle, said the 32-year-old hurt his lower back and was undergoing treatment in the hope of being able to take his place in the field.

“At roughly 3pm today, Dustin took a serious fall on a staircase in his Augusta rental home,” the statement said.

“He landed very hard on his lower back and is now resting, although quite uncomfortably. He has been advised to remain immobile and begin a regimen of anti-inflammatory medication and icing, with the hope of being able to play tomorrow.”

Winkle said he could not comment any further until he knew more about Johnson’s condition.

The Masters starts in Augusta tonight (AEDT) with Johnson scheduled to play in the final grouping alongside fellow Americans Bubba Watson and Jimmy Walker.