Lehman withdraws to attend Nelson funeral
American Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman pulled out of the American Express World Championship before the start at The Grove near Watford today in order to attend the funeral of golf legend Byron Nelson.
“I was looking forward to competing this week, but I felt I had an obligation to return home to honour one of the game’s all-time great players and gentlemen,” said Lehman.
Nelson, winner of two Masters, one US Open and two US PGA titles and also of an amazing 11 consecutive tournaments in 1945, passed away at his home in Texas on Tuesday at the age of 94. His funeral is being held tomorrow.
Lehman had been hoping, of course, to be basking in the glory of a Ryder Cup victory this week, but his side suffered a record-equalling nine-point defeat at the K Club in Ireland on Sunday.
He is expected to be replaced as captain by Paul Azinger in the next month, while Nick Faldo has already been appointed as Ian Woosnam’s successor.
Lehman’s withdrawal today reduced the size of the field to 62.
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