Tour pro facing extended spell on injury sidelines

Two-time DP World Tour winner Justin Harding has revealed that he is facing an extended spell on the sidelines through injury – having already missed most of the last YEAR.

The South African, winner of the Qatar Masters in 2019 and the Kenya Open in 2021, took to social media to issue a grim update to his followers.

“Yesterday marked one year since I was told I’d fractured my hip and couldn’t play for the remainder of the ’22 season,” wrote the 37-year-old.

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“After an attempt at returning in the early part of the year, I was told I’d now had multiple fractures of the same hip and [was] advised to stop once again.

“It’s been six months now without any competitive golf.”

Conceding that his entire 2023 season will be “lost”, Harding added: “I can only hope to get back in time for next season. Still not swinging but trying everything I can to be as ready as ever when the imagery says I’m healed.

“Will still be a long road back to pro competition but I’m looking forward to the challenge and being back out competing with the best where I belong.”

Harding was amongst the 48 players who competed in the inaugural LIV Golf event at the Centurion Club in London, finishing in a tie for tenth.

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He featured again in the Saudi-bankrolled league’s second event and, along with Ian Poulter, Adrian Otaegui and Branden Grace, was part of a group of LIV golfers who were granted an injunction against the DP World Tour’s decision to suspend them from the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open.

Afterwards, Harding – who didn’t sign a contract with LIV – admitted that it had been a “little bit uncomfortable” returning to the DP World Tour but defended his decision.

“We’re just trying our best to earn a bit of money on the golf course and put food on the table,” he said. I’ve tried my best to keep it all to the one side.

“Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. You can’t begrudge anyone that.”

The South African has previously been as high as 42nd on the OWGR and finished in a tie for 12th on his Masters debut in 2019.