Managers get another lesson in medical practice

TWO HEADLINES we read yesterday summed up the rollercoaster nature of Golf Masters management. The first: “Rejuvenated Rose is back in the swing” referred to Justin Rose’s determination “to re-launch his assault on the world’s elite” at Wentworth this week. The second, a couple of hours later: “Rose drops out of PGA Championship.” A back injury put paid to his hopes, leaving his 31 Golf Masters’ employers feeling a bit of pain themselves. And that’s the kind of week it’s been.

Take Pat Perez. With earnings of just €4,750 after six weeks of this year’s competition Perez’s 61 managers would have hoped for some improved form from their €3 million man at the Byron Nelson Championship. But? While out running with his dog he injured his right ankle, a scan later showing that he had torn two ligaments – he’ll be out for about two months.

Then there’s Cameron Beckman, who withdrew from the Byron Nelson due to “a little tightness in his lower back”, and Dudley Hart, ruled out of the same tournament with “a sore back and the flu”.

Graeme McDowell, of course, is suffering from shin splints, which forced his withdrawal from the Irish Open, leaving his 911 managers (he’s the competition’s fifth most popular player) ringing up their GPs to ask how long shin splints keep you out of action.

The only consolation in all of this is that you’ll be medical experts come September.