Allenby Withdraws from Humana Challenge


Saying that he's still recovering from injuries suffered when reportedly being abducted, robbed and beaten last Friday in Honolulu, Robert Allenby withdrew before the start of the Humana Challenge. The $5.7 million PGA Tour event got underway Thursday.

"On the advice of my personal doctor I have decided to withdraw from this week's Humana Challenge," the 43-year-old Australian said in a statement. "This will enable me to ensure I am fully recovered prior to rejoining the PGA Tour. I anticipate a full recovery and look forward to returning in the near future."

On Tuesday Honolulu police issued a statement saying detectives were "reviewing witness statements and gathering security video footage" as part of the robbery and credit-card fraud investigation involving Allenby.

No arrests have been made in the case.

After missing the 36-hole cut in the Sony Open, Allenby went to the Amuse Wine Bar in Honolulu with his caddie and a friend. He told Golf Channel on Sunday that he was separated from the two after the three paid their tab when he struck up a conversation with individuals who claimed they were "Robert Allenby fans."

"They were talking golf," he told Golf Channel reporter Steve Sands. "They were big golf fans, big Robert Allenby fans. So, yeah, obviously I was just a target."

He was told his two friends went downstairs, and when Allenby exited the bar he was attacked. He's uncertain whether he was drugged or was struck in the head by a bat, but told Reuters he was knocked out and was later thrown out of the trunk of a car six miles away from the bar.

Once on the streets and bleeding, Allenby awoke to kicks from two homeless men before being helped by a retired Navy veteran.

Facial injuries were evident in printed and online pictures and television news footage of Allenby, a four-time Tour winner.