Golf-Former winner Oberholser withdraws from Pebble Beach

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

PEBBLE BEACH, California, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Former champion Arron Oberholser pulled out of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Tuesday because of bursitis in his right shoulder, tournament officials said.

American Oberholser, who won the 2006 title, had planned to make his first appearance on the 2008 PGA Tour at this week's event on the picturesque Monterey Peninsula.

He studied journalism at nearby San Jose State University and has played Pebble Beach Golf Links regularly since he was a teenager.

Californian Oberholser, who turned 33 three days ago, struggled with back and wrist injuries for much of last year.

He was sidelined for the early part of 2007 because of a bulging disc in his back and has not played since the Las Vegas Open last October following surgery on his left wrist.

Oberholser, who turned professional in 1998, won his only PGA Tour title at the 2006 Pebble Beach National Pro-Am when he cruised to a five-shot victory. (Editing by Ed Osmond)