David Howell pulls out of Spanish

Open with a side strain

FROM THE AOL GOLF NEWS SERVICE
Ryder Cup star David Howell, who was due to partner John Daly on the American's return to golf today, has pulled out of the Spanish Open because of a side strain.
The Swindon golfer had travelled to Girona, but withdrew before teeing off in the eve-of-tournament pro-am.
"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."
He added: "I woke up yesterday (Tuesday) and it was the best it's been since I did it, but I played nine holes and it was clearly not 100%, 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.