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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Arron Oberholser will miss his first World Cup appearance due to hand surgery scheduled for Oct. 30.

Arron Oberholser (WireImage)

Oberholser, ranked 25th in the world and seventh among American players, had chosen Sean O'Hair as his partner in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China Nov. 22-25. A replacement for O'Hair has not been named.

"I'm disappointed not to have the chance to represent my country," said

Oberholser, "but I hope I'll have more chances in the future."

Oberholser injured his left hand while hitting a shot from the rough at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship in May. An MRI taken in July indicated a slight fracture of the hamate bone but he and his doctors felt he could play with it until the pain became too intense.

Oberholser played 11 more events, and shared fourth place at the PGA Championship, until he had to withdraw from the BMW Championship in September.

After five weeks of rest and therapy, Oberholser returned to competition at the Fry's Electronics Open, though at less than 100 percent. A CAT scan taken last Friday showed loose fragments irritating the tendon to the middle finger of his left hand and surgery was prescribed.

The operation was scheduled for Oct. 30 because Oberholser is exchanging wedding vows with former LPGA player Angie Rizzo on Oct 27.

"I hate to miss playing with Sean in China," said Oberholser, who had a

similar operation performed on his right hand in 2001, "But I wouldn't have been healthy anyway. With the surgery next week I expect to be hitting balls again by mid-December and be ready to go for the start of the 2008 season."