Couples withdraws on first hole with back problems

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Fred Couples, who won the Senior British Open last month, withdrew from the Boeing Classic on Friday.

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. -- Local favorite Fred Couples withdrew from the Champions Tour's Boeing Classic early in the first round with lower back problems on Friday.

A recent winner at the Senior British Open, Couples was looking forward to playing in the Boeing event near his hometown of Seattle.

"I didn't feel very good warming up. I hit the tee shot at No. 1 and then my lower back really locked up when I walked down the hill to my second shot. It was like a bomb went off in my lower back. I think it's time to rest. I'm sad I won't be able to play in this year's event. For this to happen to me in Seattle, this is a rough one," Couples said.