Porter withdraws from Johnnie Walker

BY Bruce Young | Asian Tour | 2008 Johnnie Walker Classic | Round Two | 29 Feb 2008

While it was perhaps no surprise that there would be some sort of let down for last week’s Moonah Classic winner, Ewan Porter, his first round of 77 at this week’s Johnnie Walker Classic was a little hard to fathom.

There was however a genuine reason for his struggle. Porter withdrew from round two of the event after contracting stomach cramps for most of the week. Porter had played three holes of his second round when he decided to call it a day.

“I’ve been feeling so bad that I have been trying to get hold of Malaysian Airlines this morning to organise a trip home,” he said this morning from New Delhi prior to his 12.50 tee time.

“It has not been much fun with the stomach cramps and associated conditions so I am heading back to Sydney if it doesn’t improve,” said a disappointed Porter.

The 25-year-old would no doubt have been keen to follow up last week’s brilliant effort with another good week in such a significant event as the Johnnie Walker but it clearly has not worked out that way. Porter made an effort today and actually played three holes before he succumbed to his illness, not the first to fall victim to such symptoms on a first trip to India.

Porter will now focus his attention on the Nationwide Tour in 2008, looking to consolidate his great start to the season with his win last week. The next event on the Nationwide Tour is in Louisiana starting on March 27th.

With US$149,000 already in 2008 Nationwide Tour earnings as a result of his victory at the Moonah Classic, Porter is perhaps within US$60,000 of being assured of his 2009 PGA Tour status but with 26 events remaining in season 2008 he has plenty of time and opportunity.