Injury ends Garcia challenge in Texas

Sergio Garcia lasted only four holes of the Open Championship qualifying event in Texas today because of an infected fingernail.

No longer exempt after falling out of the world’s top 50, Garcia was on level par when he quit.

He then explained on his Twitter site: “Unfortunately had to wd from qualifier this morning because of an infected fingernail in my left hand. Couldn’t hold the club comfortably.”

Runner-up to Padraig Harrington at Carnoustie four years ago after bogeying the final hole and then losing a play-off, the 31-year-old Spaniard could still make it to Sandwich in July through upcoming events.

But now 73rd in the world – he was second behind Tiger Woods just over two years ago – he has also entered a qualifying event in Memphis on June 6 for the US Open the following week.

Londoner Brian Davis, who was paired with Garcia today at the Gleneagles Club in Plano, was five under par after 10 of the 36 holes and sharing top spot with a group that included American Ryder Cup captain Davis Love.

Garcia’s withdrawal left 77 players competing for eight spots in July’s championship.