Couples has lesions removed, won't play Sr. PGA

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Citing back problems and skin cancer treatment on both hands, Fred Couples has withdrawn from the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Couples confirmed to PGA TOUR officials Monday that he has skin cancer and had lesions removed from both hands. He told Golf World that the procedure took place on a routine visit to his New York-based doctor.

Couples also told Golf World he expects to play in two weeks at the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance. Couples, winner of the 1992 Masters, was replaced in the Senior PGA field by Blaine McCallister.

Earlier on Monday, Tom Wargo also dropped out because of a bad back and was replaced by John Harris. Wargo is the last PGA club pro to win the Senior PGA.

Steve Pate, who turns 50 on Thursday, the first day of competition, will be making his senior debut at the tournament.