World number three Paul Casey has declared himself as a doubtful participant ahead of this week’s US PGA Championship at Hazeltine.
The Race to Dubai leader will decide today whether or not to take part in the season’s fourth major tournament after a strained intercostals muscle in his ribs caused the player to withdraw from last week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone after only six holes.
In a note on Casey’s official website, the player – who held onto third spot in the world rankings despite his withdrawal – revealed that the problem leaves his participation in doubt.
Casey remained in Akron, where the Firestone Country Club course which hosted the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational is situated in order to receive treatment on the injury from PGA physiotherapists and arrived at Hazeltine National, Minnesota on Monday.
Casey suffered the injury in the run up to the the British Open at Turnberry and later aggravated the injury during a practice round at Akron, Ohio when playing out of rough. He will make a decision on whether to play after practicing at the US PGA venue.
The injury comes at a bad time for Casey, as many believed he would be challenging this year for major honours. However, with only one major left – and with Tiger Woods also major-less this year – it appears Casey may have to wait until 2010 at least before claiming an elusive first major titile.
