January 6, 2005

WARREN, PA — Richard Myers injured his hand by getting it caught in a car door and withdrew from the 2005 Carl Spackler Open and potentially most of the 2005 On Tour Championship, his agent said Wednesday.

"It was a freak accident," Myers said. "He thinks it will be OK, but better safe than sorry. He wants to give it six months rest and get ready for 2006."

He report did not say which hand Myers injured, only that it is not considered a serious injury.  The accident slows Richard's momentum as he tries to win his first Golden Jacket.

Richard Myers placed 32nd in the 2004 Carl Spackler Open at Tanglewood Park.  He scored 90 points over 3 rounds of play.  Myers is currently ranked 48th in the amateur world rankings.

"He's sick about missing the Spackler," the report said. "He's played well in Pennsylvania, and the people at Spackler have always been really nice to him. He would have been good for the tournament."

Myers was playing better than he has in years, with superb control off the tee and great touch on the greens.  "When he's playing well, Richard can win anywhere," Rick Dosky said.  "He is a really good golfer and a better person off the course."

The season-long 2005 On Tour Championship begins in 25 days.