Brian Barnes could be forced out of competitive golf as a result of
worsening rheumatoid arthritis in his wrists.
Barnes had to withdraw five holes
into today's first round at the Senior British Open at Royal Co Down
in Northern Ireland.
"It's a shame," he said. "I still love playing golf but it's no fun at
all playing in pain like this.
"I haven't made a final decision yet but I'm hoping to move into TV
work next season and if I do I might even hang up my clubs
altogether."
He said: "When I arrived here on Tuesday and saw the hard ground I
knew I was in trouble. The ground is just too hard for me given the
problems I have.
"This morning it was bad enough when we teed off but then, when the
wind started to get up and I had to start hitting down on the ball, I
knew I wouldn't be able to get round.
Brian Barnes heads back to the club house after withdrawing from the British Senior Open. Allsport.
"It's a great shame because I love this tournament but there's not
much I can do about it."
He said: "Basically there's not a lot the doctors can do. I take a lot
of painkillers but in conditions like these, even they are not enough
to take the pain away. The doctors have told me that I'm in the wrong
business."
