Poulter to miss Abu Dhabi event

8:17am Tuesday 13th January 2009

Ian Poulter has pulled out of next week's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to undergo corrective eye surgery.

The Ryder Cup star has been advised to have the operation after struggling to see properly in poor light and is expected to undergo surgery next week.

"It is with great regret that I have to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship," Poulter said in the UAE-based newspaper Gulf News.

"I have been having a problem with my vision in poor light and my doctors have advised me that I should have this surgery as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.

"I am relieved that the problem can be corrected with surgery but very disappointed to miss one of my favourite events on the schedule.

"However, I'll be back in Abu Dhabi next year for another crack at the Falcon."

The line-up for the tournament still includes three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, world number two Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Colin Montgomerie.