Donald out of Ryder Cup after wrist operation
Tuesday, 12 Aug 2008 21:34
Donald: "timing of this injury was especially disappointing"
Luke Donald's slim chances of making the Ryder Cup are officially over after he underwent surgery on his troublesome left wrist.
The 30-year-old, who was part of the last two victorious European teams, will now enter a period of rehabilitation with the goal of being fit for next season.
Donald has not played since injuring himself in the final round of the US Open in June, and with the injury showing no signs of healing naturally Donald has been forced to undergo an operation.
"While there is never a good time for an injury, the timing of this injury was especially disappointing for me considering it forced me to miss the Open and it comes in a Ryder Cup year," Donald said.
"But taking proper care of it is my highest priority and I'm encouraged by Dr Andrew Weiland's experience with this type of injury and his outlook towards my recovery and rehabilitation."
Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo will finalise his team in three weeks time, with the players in line for the automatic places being Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, Graeme McDowell, Rose, Oliver Wilson and Soren Hansen would also qualify from the separate table based on European earnings.
The captain's two wild card picks will be come from a list including the likes of Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke.
This year's Ryder Cup takes place at the Valhalla course in Lexington, Kentucky from 19-21 September.