SYDNEY, Australia ' Adam Scott withdrew from the Australian Open on Wednesday after failing to recover from a knee injury he picked up in a surf accident last week.
Scott hurt his right kneecap while running out of the surf at Coolum beach, Queensland state, where he was forced to pull out of the Australian PGA championship.
I didnt get enough time to recover, Scott said. I have a tear in the ligament in my knee and thats flared up a fair bit. Theres still some swelling and I cant walk properly at the moment or extend my leg fully.
Its not really the hitting thats the problem, its the walking.
Scott said hed injured the knee six times.
The 28-year-old Australian, whose world ranking has dropped from a career-high No. 3 to No. 16 with only two tournament wins this season, has struggled with injuries and illness.
Scott, yet to win any of Australias three biggest tournaments, said he would have risked the injury if it was for one of the majors.
I could hobble around this week but it would set me back and I wouldnt be able to start 2009, Scott said. Im trying to look at the big picture.
Its disappointing I cant play but as far as my knees recovery, at least I can start 2009 (feeling) 100 percent.
Scott pulls out of Aussie Open with lingering injury
Published December 9, 2008 05:00 PM
