Stuart Appleby has withdrawn from the Emirates Australian Open after another back injury — different to the one that dogged him in 2011-2012 — flared up.

Appleby, the 2001 Australian Open champion, now confronts a period of rest and rehabilitation at the end of a season in which he finished strongly.

The 43-year-old Victorian played a handful of holes in the pro-am today but could not continue, and Bann said Appleby had no option but to pull out.

"He had a lot of nerve pain in the lower left side,” said Appleby’s coach, Steve Bann.

"It’s a completely different injury to the early issue. He’s never had this pain before.”

Appleby is likely to have an MRI scan next week to check the injury. He has been told it is highly likely that the injury will improve with rest.

"Look, he can hit the ball okay but only at three-quarter pace,” said Bann. "So what’s the point? He can’t be competitive playing like that. It’s disappointing for him, because he was looking forward to playing the tournaments at home.”

While it’s disappointing for Appleby, it provides a huge opportunity for Rookie Professional Blake McGrory.

As the first alternate, the 27-year-old is now in the field.

"It’s a relief, being first reserve since Sunday night you’re always just that spot away," said McGrory.

"You don’t wish anyone to pull out but it’s a nice bit of fortune for me"

"And it’s obviously a pretty good group, playing with Sendo is going to be a great experience."

In another piece of good fortune Blake McGrory and John Senden share the same coach, PGA Professional Ian Triggs.

"I am coached by the same coach as Sendo. He will be there watching both of us and hopefully we can pick up on some things I can work on," said McGrory.

"I have played with Sendo once, a while ago, it was only nine holes and never in a tournament"

McGrory has played 11 tournaments on the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2014 but has made only two cuts.

"This is huge opportunity, playing in these events worth so much money," said McGrory.

"Have a good week and finishing inside top1-0 can secure my card for next year."

"So there is a lot of motivation to play well this week"

Source: Golf Australia / PGA Media