American golfer Steve Stricker has been ruled out for at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his back.
The 47-year-old had been troubled by a compressed nerve in his lower back, which was causing pain in his hips and legs.
The world number 41, who was not expected to play until March 2015 anyway due to a reduced schedule, underwent the operation on Tuesday and is now looking forward to returning to full fitness next year.
"I'm very excited to get back to practising and competing in 2015 and expect to be 100% physically which really excites me," Stricker told reporters.
Stricker is a 12-time winner on the PGA Tour.
