Golfers – Injury Hit – Alstom Open De France
Over blood clot fears, England’s Lee Westwood is in the clear.
On Wednesday, Westwood was taken to a hospital for tests after a doctor feared a swollen calf muscle could be caused by a blood clot. The third-ranked player was told that the heat wave in France was probably a reaction and hence the blood clot.
His spokesman, Stuart Cage, said Westwood was given an anti-inflammatory dressing for the muscle and he was released from the hospital. On the eve of the Alstom Open De France, the 37-year-old Westwood pulled out of the pro-am Wednesday. Cage says Westwood is hopeful he can play in the tournament.
On Wednesday, the pro-am had three other withdrawals. Ian Poulter was bit by an insect, Matteo Manassero suffered an injured twist and calf injury caused to Colin Montgomerie made all three to withdraw. All three are expected to play in the tournament later on.
While practicing on the 11th hole Tuesday at Le Golf National , Manassero, 17-year-old golfer was hit in the hand by a golf ball.
Manassero said, “”We called the group behind us through and one of the drives hit me, the ball didn’t bounce first, it was full on, I did not want to risk making the injury worse before the tournament. It is a very important one for me with big prize money.”
Manassero is allowed a maximum of seven invitations in which to earn enough money for his tour playing card for next year, since he turned professional at the start of May.
Making the cut each time and winning more than $61,000, he has already used up four. to avoid having to go to tour school in the fall, although it is estimated he will need to win about $300,000.
