Stricker to sit out Sawgrass event

Steve Striker has withdrawn from this week's Players Championship to rest his sore right shoulder.

Stricker, the world No 3, first withdrew from New Orleans two weeks ago when he began experiencing pain. Tests revealed inflammation in the joint where the clavicle meets the sternum. Stricker says the injury does not appear to be serious, although he does not want to risk it getting worse by playing before it properly heals and has therefore decided not to play at Sawgrass in Florida.

The American hopes to be back out on the PGA Tour by the end of the month. His next start is likely to be Colonial which is in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is the defending champion.

Stricker was replaced in the field by his fellow American Spencer Levin.