Furyk leaves Valhalla to check on his wife

[September 19, 2008]  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Jim Furyk has pulled out of his final practice round for the Ryder Cup after his wife was taken to a hospital with intense back pain.

U.S. captain Paul Azinger said Thursday that Furyk's wife, Tabitha, has a bulging disk that has been bothering her for some time. Azinger said Furyk was having a hard time concentrating and left to be with his wife.

Azinger said Furyk has been hitting the ball well and doesn't need to be at practice. He expected Furyk to be at the opening ceremony Thursday afternoon.

[Associated Press]

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