Couples pondering retirement?

[charnockpro]

Fred Couples, 48, has suffered from back pain for more than a decade, but the problem resurfaced in April during his play at the Masters Tournament. Since then, Couples has competed in just one other professional round, the LG Skins Game in late November. "To sit around for eight months and not play any golf, I thought, you know, would help," said Couples. "But it is what it is. There's not a whole lot I can do about it." Speculation abounds on Couples' possible retirement, something he admitted to pondering. "I'm not the kind of guy that wants to half do it," said Couples.

[fredcouplesfan]

I think were gonna see one last full year from Fred.

[figjam]

Freddy's a shot duck. From what I've read over the years about his dodgy back, it's a minor miracle that he has held out this long on tour. Fred has said it will not improve and will only get worse as time goes on, so if he's stuffed now, it probably won't get any better.

He could probably manage the odd round of skins during the silly season, but a full tournament including preparation is 5 or six days straight on the golf course. Plus time at the practice range and putting greens. And that's just one tournament, not a full schedule.

[fredcouplesfan]

What really kills his back is plane rides and long car rides to tournaments. Alot of his schedule is going to be close to home, we'll see I guess.

[Fourputt]

He was just interviewed on the Golf Channel 19th Hole. He says he's feeling good and planning on playing 8-10 events getting ready for the Masters.

[mont86]

This would be bad for golf, I like watching him play.