It certainly appears that this week’s Qatar Masters on the European Tour will be the most interesting golf tournament this week, especially with the news that Anthony Kim has withdrawn from the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Classic.
Kim, No. 8 in the world rankings and who opened as the WagerWeb.com betting favorite this week, would have been the highest-ranked player in the field. Apparently, Kim is dealing with a shoulder injury. He tied for third in the Hope last year.
Kim, who lives in the area of the Hope and attended La Quinta (Calif.) High, opened his season two weeks ago by tying for second in the Mercedes-Benz Championship. While practicing Monday, he felt discomfort in his left shoulder and was advised to take this week off for treatment.
“I had so many friends and family coming to watch,” Kim said in a statement. “We don’t consider my shoulder to be anything too serious, and I don’t expect to miss extended time, but it is important to be cautious with it at this early stage in the season.
“I don’t expect to miss extended time, but it’s important to be cautious at this early stage of the season,” he said.
The Qatar Masters on the Euro Tour will have 18 of the top 50 players in the world, and the Hope now has no players ranked among the top 15. Remember, too, that the Hope begins on Wednesday as it is a five-round tournament. Veteran Steve Stricker, at No. 16, is the top-rated player in the mix at the event, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has signed on Arnold Palmer to serve as a one-time guest host.
D.J. Trahan won this event last year for his second PGA Tour title, closing with a 7-under 65 at The Classic Club for a three-stroke victory over Justin Leonard,the likely betting favorite this week. Trahan has made a solid start to the PGA Tour this year, tying for sixth at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship and sharing 32nd spot at last week’s Sony Open.
Past Hope champions Fred Couples (1998) and Mike Weir are making their first starts of the year.
Tiger Woods remains out, with Phil Mickelson possibly debuting next week at the FBR Open.
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