Hip-Replacement Surgery Will End Watson's Season

Tom Watson has ended his Champions Tour season early, and plans to undergo hip-replacement surgery on October 2. He will miss the Senior Players Championship and Charles Schwab Cup Championship, but expects to be back in action early next year.

"I want to start the season healthy, and want to defend the Skins Game title with Jack Nicklaus," he said. Nicklaus had his left hip replaced in 1999.

Watson says that his left hip has been bothering him for three years. It reached the point where he has been having trouble sleeping and performing routine lifestyle tasks.

Watson, who turned 59 on Sept. 4, has won twice playing only 10 events on the Champions Tour in 2008, earning $972,343. His ball-striking continued to impress his peers, despite his hip problems. His 73.81 greens-in-regulation statistic would lead the category had he played enough tournaments to qualify.

--Nick Seitz