AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Marc Leishman of Australia has withdrawn from the Masters as his wife recovers from a serious illness.

His wife, Audrey, thought she was battling the flu last week until it turned serious. Leishman says she has made it through what he described as a "life-threatening medical emergency" and is recovery well.

Leishman says it's important for him to stay with his wife and their two young sons, ages 3 and 18 months.

The 31-year-old Leishman played in the final group with Adam Scott in 2013 and tied for fourth. In a moment of Aussie spirit, he was seen pumping his first when Scott made a birdie putt on the 18th and went on to become the first Australian to win the Masters.

The Masters does not have an alternate list.

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