Surfing accident sidelines Aussie Scott

(CNN) -- Top Australian golfer Adam Scott will miss his country's PGA Championship after injuring his knee in a surfing accident.

Six-time PGA Tour winner Scott was set to be one of the star attractions at Coolum in Queensland this week, but was forced to withdraw after damaging his right kneecap.

His manager said scans will be conducted, but that Scott, a longtime surfer, is still hopeful of playing in next week's Australian Open in Sydney.

"He went for a body surf and was making his way through the shallow water and twisted his knee a little bit," said Justin Cohen.

"It's a very minor, little issue with his knee and we fully expect him to be back in action and ready to go for the Aussie Open next week.

"Adam's obviously disappointed - not only for him but for the tournament organizers (PGA Championship) and fans who wanted to see him play. All I can say is that it was one of those freak accidents."

American big-hitter John Daly will be taking part in the tournament which starts on Thursday, alongside defending champion Peter Lonard and Australian hope Robert Allenby.

Daly, who missed the cut in last weekend's Australian Masters, is working hard to improve his putting as he bids to resurrect his career.

"I'm trying new grips, trying to get my posture up, changing the lie and loft, everything I could possibly try, and nothing feels right," Daly told Associated Press.

"It's just a matter of keep practicing and sooner or later something might click."

Meanwhile, Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa will become the youngest player to contest the Ryder Cup-style Royal Trophy golf tournament after he was nominated to join the Asian team to take on Europe next month.

Asia captain Joe Ozaki named the 17-year-old Ishikawa, one of Japan's most popular sportsmen, as the eighth and final team member for the January 9-11 team match play tournament in Thailand.

The third edition of the Royal Trophy, sanctioned by the Asian, Japan and European tours, is due to be held at Bangkok's Amata Spring Country Club.

The 2008 competition was postponed in January due to a period of national mourning for the sister of the King of Thailand, who donated the trophy.

The Europe team is waiting on the recovery of captain Steve Ballesteros from October brain surgery before announcing a lineup for the tournament.

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