Steve Stricker withdraws from THE PLAYERS Championship

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Steve Stricker has withdrawn from The Players Championship to rest his sore right shoulder.

Stricker, the No. 3 player in the world ranking, first withdrew from New Orleans two weeks ago when he began experiencing pain. Tests revealed inflammation in the joint where the clavicle meets the sternum.

Stricker says the injury doesn't appear to be serious, although he doesn't want to risk it getting worse by playing before it properly heals. He hopes to be back out on the PGA Tour by the end of the month.

His next start likely will be Colonial, where he is the defending champion.

Stricker was replaced in the field by Spencer Levin.