Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington has withdrawn from this week's FedEx St. Jude Classic after suffering a bizzare injury, after being struck on the elbow by an amateur golfer he was coaching in a session.
Originally fearing potentially career-threatening damage, the Irishman received six stiches and expects to be absent from playing for around 12 days, allowing for ample time to recover ahead of his return to Royal Birkdale - site of his 2008 Open Championship victory - in July.
Just withdrawn from @PGATOUR @fesjcmemphis this week.I was hit on the elbow with a practice swing by an amateur I was coaching at an outing.
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) June 6, 2017
The 45-year-old has only played in seven events this year - making the cut in just two - having undergone neck surgery to relieve a trapped nerve that had been troubling him since the end of last season, when he picked a 15th European Tour title in Portugal, which was his first in eight years since triumphing over Sergio Garcia at the 2008 US PGA Championship.
There's no truth in the rumour that it was the amateur's best strike of the day @fesjcmemphis @PGATOUR
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) June 6, 2017
Despite the possible seriousness of the situation, Harrington was still able to crack (ouch) a few jokes at his and the amateur's expense on Twitter.
Unquestionably one of the more unusual injuries that a golfer has collected, it's a relief for fans of the popular Dubliner that he will be competing in his 21st Open next month. Providing he avoids any pro-ams, that is.
