DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Defending champion Retief Goosen is not back at this week's European Golf Tour's Commercialbank Qatar Masters at Doha because of an eye injury.
Goosen withdrew from the event late Wednesday after suffering from blurred vision during a practice round this week.
The South African recently underwent corrective laser eye surgery.
"Obviously, I am disappointed and very sad that I am unable to defend my title," Goosen said in a statement. "I came all this way to play but unfortunately the eye is causing a problem. I thought it would come good but it hasn't. The advice (I was given) was to go back to London for treatment. It is a shame as I love this event."
Goosen beat Australia's Nick O'Hern by one shot and fellow South African Ernie Els by two to win the 2007 Qatar Masters.
After Thursday's first round, Lee Westwood and Anton Haig were co-leaders at 5-under-par 67.
