Ben Crane, with history of back problems, withdraws from PGA Championship

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Ben Crane has withdrawn from the PGA Championship because of a back problem.

Crane opened with a 3-over 74 at Valhalla on Thursday before withdrawing Friday. He has a long history of back trouble. This is the second straight tournament he had to withdraw because of back pain. Last week at Firestone, he stopped after opening with rounds of 73-70.

Crane is No. 56 in the FedEx Cup standings and won the St. Jude Classic in June for his fifth career victory.