Fred Couples withdraws from Boeing Classic after lower back injury
The legendary Fred Couples withdrew on Friday from the Champions Tour’s Boeing Classic after teeing off on the first hole in the opening round because of a lower back injury.
Couples told that he had stiffness in his back, practicing on the range and the lower back almost locked up after he teed off in the tournament.
At that time, he decided to continue and walked down the fairway for the second shot. However, he decided not to make it because of the increased pain. As a result, he returned to his tent and announced his withdrawal.
That was a disappointing moment for the recent Senior British Open champion because he wanted to compete in the event, as it was being held near his hometown, Seattle.
"I didn't feel very good warming up. I hit the tee shot at No. 1 and then my lower back really locked up when I walked down the hill to my second shot. It was like a bomb went off in my lower back. I think it's time to rest. I'm sad I won't be able to play
in this year's event. For this to happen to me in Seattle, this is a rough one," Couples said.
In the meantime, Mark Calcavecchia took the opening round lead with a seven-under par 65. He also watched Couples being taken off the course on a cart.
At the end of the round, he admitted that it was a great loss to the tournament, as Couples is among the superstars of the game and his withdrawal early in the tournament was a big blow for the organizers.
As Couples was a local golf star, his absence can also affect the amount of visitors coming to watch their favourite player playing live on the course.
"It's too bad. Tough break for the tourney. He's our star," Calcavecchia said. "Everybody loves Fred, especially here in Seattle. I was sorry to see that".
According to unconfirmed sources, the injury was not severe and he may recover it soon. Therefore, it was good news for his fans, who want him back on the course.
Tags: