Couples withdraws from U.S. Senior Open

7/22/2011
BLADE STAFF
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    • Fred Couples waves to fans after finishing on the 18th hole during the final round of the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April.
    Fred Couples waves to fans after finishing on the 18th hole during the final round of the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April.

    Fan favorite Fred Couples has withdrew from next week's U.S. Senior Open Championship at Inverness Club because he is not fully recovered from a back injury.

    Couples, a 15-time winner on the PGA tour and the 1992 Masters champion, has been sidelined since May's Senior PGA Championship.

    “I am sorry to have to withdraw from the U.S. Senior Open,” said Couples, who was runner-up to 2010 U.S. Senior Open champion Bernhard Langer. “I had hoped to return to play at Inverness, but I have been injured since the Senior PGA Championship, and I am still in the rehab process. Currently, I would not be properly prepared for the four days of competition at a U.S. Senior Open, but I know there will be a great field and I’m sure there will be some spectacular golf.”

    Also withdrawing Friday were Don Pooley, the 2002 U.S. Senior Open champion, and Mike Reid.