The Loop
Graham DeLaet withdraws from the Memorial citing "anxiety while chipping/pitching"
Tour pros withdraw from tournaments all the time. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of times when they use questionable injuries to flee the scene. Not Graham DeLaet. This is as honest as it gets:
That doesn't sound fun.
DeLaet's withdrawal from the Memorial follows a recent rough stretch. He finished T-77 at the Wells Fargo and then missed the cut at the Players and the Byron Nelson. The 34-year-old Canadian has had an OK season overall, though, with four top-15 finishes, highlighted by a T-5 at the Valspar.
Always regarded as one of the best ball-strikers on the PGA Tour, DeLaet's short game has held him back. He ranks 141st in strokes gained: putting and the numbers are even worse in the new strokes gained: around-the-green stat. In that category, DeLaet ranks a dismal 188th.
As soon as DeLaet made the announcement, support -- and advice -- started rolling in on Twitter:
Interesting tip. But if DeLaet resorts to a little alcohol, we think he'll reach for a bottle of his new beer.
And then there was this from ESPN SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross. Whatever it means:
Hang in there, Graham. We hope to see you -- and that beard -- back soon.