LONDON: Tiger Woods has been diagnosed with a left elbow strain that will keep him out of competition until next month’s British Open at Muirfield, the world number one said yesterday.
Woods had been suffering minor discomfort before last week’s US Open at Merion, where he aggravated the problem and was seen wincing and shaking his left arm on several occasions.
“I was examined after I returned home from the US Open, and the doctors determined I have a left elbow strain,” the American said in a statement on his website.
“I have been advised to take a few weeks off, rest and undergo treatment. I’ll be ready to go for the British Open and I’m looking forward to playing at Muirfield.”
The 14-times major champion was a big favourite to win the US Open but poor putting and iron play left him 12 shots behind winner Justin Rose.
Woods had been scheduled to play in the June 27-30 AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, where he triumphed last year to move past Jack Nicklaus into second place on the all-time PGA Tour winners’ list.
The July 18-21 British Open at Muirfield in Scotland is the third of golf’s four annual major championships.
MADRID: Spanish golfer Jose Maria Olazabal has won the Iberian nation’s most prestigious sports award, the Prince of Asturias prize, after he captained Europe’s Ryder Cup team to a stunning win against United States last year.
“One of the best golfers in history, with two Masters titles at Augusta and four Ryder Cup wins, a competition in which he also showed his leadership qualities, as captain helping the Europe team to an epic comeback in 2012,” the jury said in announcing their decision.
The 47-year-old Olazabal was a “worthy successor” to his great friend and compatriot Seve Ballesteros, who won the award in 1989, they added.
Olazabal has enjoyed success on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour, and has won two major championships.
In 2012 he captained Europe’s Ryder Cup team to a narrow victory over the USA, which seemed improbable at the start of the final day’s play when the Europeans trailed 10–6.
The comeback to win 141/2–131/2 was, Olazabal said, inspired by his late friend Ballesteros, to whom he dedicated the win.
SYDNEY: World number four Adam Scott will make his final appearance of the year at the Australian Open in November, organisers said yesterday.
The reigning US Masters champion has set himself a gruelling home schedule, having already agreed to play the Australian PGA Championship and defend his Australian Masters title.
He is also widely expected to play the World Cup in Melbourne, making it four tournaments in four weeks.
“Winning the national Open is the title every Australian golfer wants,” Scott said in a statement.
“I am sure the Sydney sporting public will come in great numbers to support the event. I look forward to competing and celebrating with them during the week.”
The Australian Open will be played at the Royal Sydney Golf Club from November 28-December 1.AGENCIES
