Tony Finau hopeful of making US Masters after injury during hole-in-one celebrations

Tony Finau is optimistic of making his Masters debut after he suffered a sickening injury during the pre-tournament par-three contest.

Finau was running backwards in an enthusiastic celebration of a hole-in-one on the seventh when his left ankle buckled underneath him.

The 28-year-old then popped the dislocated ankle back into place and carried on, but declined to speak to reporters after leaving the ninth green.

Jesus RT @TreyW_SEC: Soo Tony Finau just hit a hole-in-one & proceeded to dislocate his ankle then pop it back in. #Masters pic.twitter.com/TDo9z8yfEW

— Joe Bolton (@Joe_Bolton7) April 5, 2018

X-rays later showed it was not broken, with the American waiting on the results of an MRI scan before deciding whether to go ahead with the tournament.

On Twitter, he said: "Crazy day. Thanks for thoughts of concern, messages and prayers from all. I'm optimistic."

Finau is due to begin his first round at 12.43pm (5.43pm Irish time) today.

- AP