Garcia signs with Titleist; pulls out of Memphis with abscess over left eye

European teen sensation Sergio Garcia made it official Thursday at the Fed Ex St. Jude Classic in Memphis, Tenn., announcing he signed a club deal with Acushnet Company.

Then, in an odd twist of fortune, Garcia was forced to withdraw from the St. Jude Classic because of an abscess over his left eye.

The 19-year-old Spaniard awakened with swelling around the eye and was taken to St. Francis Hospital about 9:30 a.m. He underwent surgery to remove the abscess and was released about two hours later and placed on antibiotics.

Garcia's manager, Jose Marquina, said the abscess was caused by an outbreak of acne. Garcia hoped to be able to play immediately after the surgery, but the swelling was too great, he said.

Garcia, who finished 11th at the Memorial Tournament last week, plans to return to Spain on Friday and will next play in the Irish Open in July.

As for the deal, it remains unclear whether Garcia will be a Titleist or Cobra irons. Both companies are part of the Acushnet family. The announcement came on Acushnet letterhead, and the multi-year deal includes clubs, balls, gloves and headwear.

No terms were released, though it is probably close to the three year, $3 million deal Tiger Woods signed with Titleist in 1996.

Two weeks ago Garcia signed a deal to wear Adidas clothing and shoes.

AP