Golfer and Masters Champion Bubba Watson has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. This is the second consecutive time that Watson has done so.

Last Wednesday, Watson informed the Professional Golfing Association (PGA) Tour that he will be pulling out of Bay Hill in Orlando, Florida due to the death of a childhood friend.

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Watson released a statement on the matter saying that he withdraw from the event in order to attend the funeral and pay respects to his friend and his family as well.

This is the second time in a row that Watson has pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Last year, Watson withdrew after an 83 in the opening round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as he was experiencing allergies. A few weeks later, he took out a membership at Bay Hill.

Replacing Watson is Kevin Kisner, who plays the two opening rounds with Adam Scott and Brooks Koepka.

Apart from the news of Watson's withdrawal, Rory McIlroy also has a bit of buzz coming into the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

While McIlroy turned pro in 2007, Thursday will mark his first ever appearance at this Invitational.

"I haven't played this tournament for a few reasons over the past few years," he said. "But it's nice that it was able to fit into the schedule, and I'm sort of rued the decision I haven't come sooner."

He also says that the course, with its wide fairways, is quite suitable to his big-hitting style of play. He comes into the Invitational treating it as a final tuneup for the Masters where he believes he could win his third straight major.

Watson looks to be going five weeks without any competitive play. He is not scheduled to participate in the Texas Open on March 26-29 or the Houston Open on April 2-5. 

TagsBubba Watson, golf, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Rory McIlroy