Sergio WD's From Open Qualifier; Can Enter Another One?

I certainly wouldn't want to downplay Sergio Garcia's infected finger nail that caused him to WD after four holes of today's Open Championship qualifier in Texas. But in Julian Linden's Reuters story, two things did stand out.

Garcia pulled out after just four holes, complaining that his finger was too sore to hold the club.

The Spaniard had played in each of the last 13 editions of the British Open, with a best-finish of second in 2007, but was not guaranteed a start this year because his ranking has slipped to 73.

But the 31-year-old, who has struggled with his form and motivation over the past few years, expects to be back in action later this week and could enter other qualifying events yet to be played.

Too much pain to go on but he's playing later this week and has the chance to enter another Open Championship qualifier? Really? That just doesn't sound right.

Update on 2011-05-24 05:47 by Geoff

**Reader Tom points to this AP story as noting Sergio's only likely option, in case you were worried about the poor lad's plight. I'm just hoping he can't take up another qualifying spot.

PGA Tour players still can get into the British Open over the next few months through a special money list that includes The Players Championship and the five consecutive tournaments through the AT&T National; and for being the highest finisher among the top 10 not already exempt in the AT&T National and the John Deere Classic.

That includes Garcia, who has not missed a major dating to the 1999 U.S. Open and now risks missing two in a row. Garcia, who is No. 73 in the world, already has said he will only play the U.S. Open if he gets into the top 50 by June 13.