Spanish Open: David Howell, who was due to partner John Daly on the American's return to golf tomorrow, pulled out of the Spanish Open today because of a side strain. The former Ryder Cup man had travelled to Girona, but withdrew before teeing off in the eve-of-tournament pro-am this afternoon.
“I’m terribly fed up,” said Howell, whose career has been plagued by injuries. “I did it lifting something awkward at home 10 days ago and this week is just too soon for it. If it was the last round of The Open I would be playing, but it’s not the way to start off a tournament.
“I woke up yesterday and it was the best it’s been since I did it, but I played nine holes and it was clearly not 100 per cent, then it got worse.
“Fingers crossed I’ll be back for the Italian Open next week, but that’s probably 50-50 at best, so I could be looking at the Irish Open instead. Silly boy.”
His place in the event — and therefore alongside Daly, whose last event was the Australian Open in December after being given a six-month US Tour ban for misbehaviour — went to Australian Andrew Tampion.
Daly underwent lapband stomach surgery in February and has lost over three stone.
Peter Lawrie is the defending champion in Girona and will be joined by a strong Irish contingent that also includes Paul McGinley, Damien McGrane, Michael Hoey (returning to action for the first time since his win in the Portuguese Open), Gary Murphy and Jonathan Caldwell.
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