Freak injury could end McDowell's season

DONGGUAN, China (AFP) –

Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland competes in the BMW Shanghai Masters in Shanghai last week. The former US Open winner’s season could be at an end after he slammed his hand in a hotel door and was left with painful bruising, his manager says.

Former US Open winner Graeme McDowell’s season could be at an end after he slammed his hand in a hotel door and was left with painful bruising, his manager said Friday.

McDowell battled through his round at the WGC-HSBC Champions after the freak accident, but will decide whether to continue at the tournament after medical tests on Saturday.

The Northern Irishman’s manager, Conor Ridge, said McDowell got his right hand caught in the door just before leaving his hotel for the second round at southern China’s Mission Hills.

McDowell looked in pain during his round of 75, which left him tied for 56th. He has three events left on this year’s schedule: the World Tour Championship in Dubai, the Australian Masters and the World Challenge in California.

“He got it treated this morning. It was obviously quite sore because he said it feels like it’s broken,” said Ridge. “They’ve confirmed since that it’s not broken, it’s just bruised.

“He did it this morning before he left the hotel room, literally when he was on his way down here so we’re going to see what it’s like in the morning.”

Ridge added: “He’s not going to want to miss any of them (his last events). He’s looking forward to going to Australia, he hasn’t played there for a long time.

“He’s certainly not winding down. He won’t want to miss the last two rounds here either, let’s be honest. Hopefully he’s OK but knowing him he’d have to be pretty bad not to play.”