Schwartzel decides to sit out until British Open to rest nagging rib injury

SAN FRANCISCO -- Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel is taking a month off after the U.S. Open because of a nagging rib injury.

Schwartzel has withdrawn from the Travelers Championships next week in Hartford, Conn., and the South African does not plan to play again until the British Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes on July 19-22.

Schwartzel says he has experienced discomfort all week, and doctors told him he should take three weeks to rest.

"It's disappointing, but I've been told that I would risk further damage and it would be a long time before things improve unless I take a rest," he said

Schwartzel was tied for ninth after 36 holes at The Olympic Cllub after opening with rounds of 73 and 70. A 74 on Saturday dropped him down the board, and he finished with a 73 on Sunday for a 10-over 290 total.