A quiet final at the Match Play Championship

International Herald Tribune, Sports—March 1, 2009

Luke Donald conceded his third-round match to Ernie Els on the 18th tee when he felt soreness in his left wrist, the same one he had surgery on six months earlier.

Donald headed to New York to see a doctor and received a good report.

Andrew Weiland, MD of Hospital for Special Surgery determined the pain was caused by scar tissue, not the tendon that was repaired. Donald said he should be able to resume practicing after a few days of treatment and anti-inflammatory medication.

"I'm obviously very pleased with Dr. Weiland's diagnosis, and while I was disappointed to have to withdraw from the Accenture Match Play Championship, I wanted to make sure I was doing what was best for my long-term health," Donald said.

Donald first injured his wrist at the U.S. Open last year at Torrey Pines. He had surgery two months later, missing the British Open, U.S. PGA Championship and any hopes of making the Ryder Cup team.