South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini withdrew from the Target World Challenge before the start of Sunday’s final round, citing personal reasons.
The 31-year-old, playing in the elite 16-man event for the first time, propped up the leaderboard after shooting a four-over-par 76 in Saturday’s third round at Sherwood Country Club.
That gave him an overall total of 10-over 226, leaving him 28 strokes behind the pacesetting Tiger Woods, the three-times champion who hosts the tournament.
According to PGA Tour officials, Sabbatini cleared out his locker on Saturday night before informing tournament organisers on Sunday morning he had pulled out of the event.
The South African was scheduled to fly to the Hawaiian island of Maui later in the day to prepare for the opening event of the 2008 PGA Tour season, the January 3 to 6 Mercedes-Benz Championship.
Tournament officials said Sabbatini, a four-times winner on the PGA Tour, would still earn the last-place cheque for $170 000 at the Target World Challenge.
Woods, who went on to win the title by a record seven shots after closing with a 68, said he had heard conflicting reports over Sabbatini’s withdrawal.
”I’ve heard he had shin splints, I heard he pulled out for personal reasons,” the world number one told reporters after sealing his eighth victory of the year.
”He packed his locker up at 3pm yesterday and I think headed to Hawaii. A lot of different things going on and I’d like to try and get to the bottom of it when I’m done here, and we’ll see what happens.”
American Mark Calcavecchia, who finished seventh after signing off with a 69, was less charitable about the South African.
”I think I could have toughed it out one more round,” the 1989 British Open champion said. ”I don’t think the fans missed him.”
Proceeds from the $5,75-million tournament go to Tiger Woods Foundation projects and the Tiger Woods Learning Centre in Anaheim. – Reuters