Ben Crane pulls out of PGA Championship with back problem

Louisville: American Ben Crane became the third player to withdraw from the PGA Championship due to back issues when he pulled out before his tee-off time in the second round on Friday.

The 38-year-old, a five-times winner on the PGA Tour who was competing in his ninth PGA Championship, had opened with a three-over-par 74 at Valhalla Golf Club on Thursday.

Crane`s exit follows the withdrawals of veteran David Toms, on Tuesday, and world number six Matt Kuchar, on Thursday, who both cited back issues.