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Goosen out of Qatar Masters

23/01/2008

The Qatar Masters defending champion Retief Goosen has pulled out of this year's tournament after being forced into laser surgery on his left eye.

The South African was forced to tell the organisers he would be unable to play just 24 hours before the competition begins after flying to London for specialist treatment.

Goosen had been to see a local specialist in a bid to delay the surgery until after the Qatar Masters had finished.

However, the advice was that he should correct the problem as soon as possible, and the surgery left him with slightly blurred vision which would severely hamper his play.

"I'm obviously very sad that I am unable to defend my title," Goosen said.

"I came all this way to play but unfortunately the eye is causing a problem. I thought it would come good but it hasn't.

"I went to Dubai yesterday and the advice was to go to London for treatment."

Goosen said he had received laser eye surgery seven years earlier and felt he "needed a touch up" ten days ago, which in turn led to the growth of a fibre in his left eye.

"It is a very simple procedure to take it out and the advice was to do it sooner," he continued.

"It is a shame as I love this event, love this course.

"I think I pulled out of the Scottish Open once with a back injury but that is all. You are never happy leaving a tournament without teeing it up."

The tournament's organiser Hassan Al Nuami, who is the president of the Qatar Golf Association, said Goosen's withdrawal was "a disappointment" but confirmed his view that the player's health was of paramount concern.

"He has been a great ambassador and champion for us and we look forward to him returning to regain his title," Al Nuami said.

"We appreciate Retief committing right until the last minute before making his decision.

"We feel very sorry he is not able to defend but wish him a speedy recovery and every success for the rest of the season."