Jacobsen will have back surgery next week

SAMMAMISH, Wash. - Peter Jacobsen's 69-68 effort with a sore hip on a 36-hole Sunday at Bellerive to win the 2004 U.S. Senior Open is one of the championship's finest hours, but the 56-year-old isn't in action at Sahalee CC this weekend.

One of the game's most popular players, Jacobsen, in pain and seven over after nine holes Friday after an opening 74, had to withdraw from the 2010 U.S. Senior Open and is scheduled to have back surgery next Wednesday in an attempt to alleviate persistent pain in his left leg stemming from nerve damage in his L-3 and L-4 disks. He will need to rest for six weeks following the operation, then rehab for six weeks, effectively ending his season.

"I've dealt with it all year, and it isn't getting any better," Jacobsen said. "I need to get it fixed. I'm hoping this is the last time I have to have surgery. I'll be back."

Jacobsen has had multiple surgeries in recent years, including for a left-shoulder rotator cuff (2009), right-knee replacement (2008), lower-back micro surgery (2007), left-hip replacement (2006), right-knee cartilage surgery (2005) and torn labrum in his left hip (2004).

-- John Strege