Goosen out of Qatar Masters

2008-01-23

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By Andrew Mullen Special to PA SportsTicker

DOHA, Qatar (Ticker) -- Retief Goosen's hopes of getting his career back on track at this week's Qatar Masters was derailed when the defending champion was forced to withdraw from the $2.5 million event on Wednesday due to an eye injury after undergoing laser surgery 10 days ago.

The South African dropped out of the world's top 20 following an indifferent 2007 despite his sensational victory at the Doha Golf Club 12 months ago and was looking forward to defending his crown.

The current world No. 28 has been working hard on his swing and has hired a swing coach after slipping down from eighth place in the world rankings in nine months.

The 38-year-old South African travelled to Qatar intending to defend the title he won in sensational fashion last year, but his vision in one eye began to blur during practice on Tuesday.

The two-time U.S. Open champion immediately travelled to Dubai for further treatment Tuesday afternoon and returned in the evening hopeful of still being able to compete.

But the 14-time European Tour winner was still having problems with his vision before Wednesday's Pro-Am, forcing his withdrawal after he immediately returned to London for further treatment.

"I am obviously very sad that I am unable to defend my title," Goosen said. "I came all this way to play but unfortunately the eye is causing a problem. I thought it would come good but it hasn't. I went to Dubai (Tuesday) and the advice was to go back to London."

Goosen's participation in next week's Dubai Desert Classic is now also in doubt.

"I have had laser eye treatment before, seven years ago, and felt it needed a touch-up which I had done 10 days ago," Goosen said. "But there has been a bit of growth with a fibre in the left eye.

"It is a very simple procedure to take it out and the advice was to do it sooner. It is a shame as I love this event, love this course and I can't remember the last time I pulled out of a tournament. I think I pulled out of the Scottish Open once with a back injury but that is all. You are never happy leaving a tournament without teeing up."

Last year, Goosen holed from 30 feet on the final green to claim his 14th European Tour title over Australian Nick O'Hern after earlier carding a birdie at the 17th.

"We appreciate Retief committing until the last minute before making the decision," said Hassan Al Nuami, president of the Qatar Golf Association. "We feel very sorry he is not able to defend. He has been a great ambassador and champion for us and we look forward to him returning to regain his title."

Despite Goosen's withdrawal, the Qatar Masters still boasts a strong field that includes nine of the world's top 25 players.

World No. 8 Adam Scott headlines the list, with Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Niclas Fasth, Paul Casey and Scott Verplank all expected to be challenging on Sunday afternoon.

American Ryder Cup player Scott Verplank was forced to withdraw from the Pro-Am suffering from a stomach illness, but he is expected to tee-off in the tournament on Thursday.