Injury sidelines Snedeker from Match Play

The Associated Press

— Brandt Snedeker withdrew from the Match Play Championship on Tuesday because of sore ribs that have been causing him discomfort despite his torrid stretch of golf.

Snedeker said he began feeling soreness in his left rib cage a month ago at the Humana Challenge. He then finished runner-up in consecutive weeks to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, and won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for his second win in his last seven starts.

Already this year, Snedeker has earned nearly $3 million and has risen to a career-best No. 4 in the world.

Snedeker also sustained a rib injury last summer, causing him to miss the U. S. Open. He returned a month later and had the 36-hole lead at the British Open before he tied for third at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.

According to a statement from Crown Sports Management, he will return to Nashville and see his personal doctor, James Elrod, who has suggested rest to cope with the injury. It is not believed to be a long-term problem, and Snedeker is scheduled to play March 7-10 in the Cadillac Championship at Doral.

Snedeker will be replaced next week at the Match Play Championship by Fredrik Jacobson of Sweden, who is No. 66 in the ranking. Phil Mickelson ( No. 10) already has said he won’t be playing because his kids are on a school holiday that week.