Golf
Fingernail foils Garcia's bid
2011-05-24 08:44
Plano - Spain's Sergio Garcia withdrew from a British Open qualifying event on Monday because of an infected fingernail on his left hand that made grasping clubs difficult.
The 31-year-old had played in every British Open since 1998 - finishing second to Padraig Harrington in 2007 - but had to qualify this year after sliding to 73rd in the world rankings.
He was among the PGA players hoping to play his way into the field at the International Final Qualifier at Gleneagles Country Club, near the site of Sunday's final round of the US PGA Colonial won by American David Toms.
"Unfortunately had to wd from qualifier this morning because of an infected finger nail in my left hand. Couldn't hold the club comfortably," Garcia said in a posting on his Twitter microblogging website.
"Even after five holes. Hopefully I'll be fine for Thursday at the Nelson! Sorry guys."
Garcia had already said he would not go through qualifying for next month's US Open near Washington.
Garcia's form has fallen away over the past few years and is a long way away from being the player that finished second at the 1999 and 2008 PGA Championships. His top US Open finish was third in 2005.