With the first round of the Waste Management Open set to start today, there have been two withdrawals. The first was on Tuesday when Nick Watney pulled out because of an illness. Now, as of Wednesday afternoon, Fred Couples has also pulled out of the tournament.

Couple was one of five golfers to receive a sponsor's exemption to play. The reason given for the withdrawal is officially an illness, just as it was for Watney.

Replacing Couples in the tourney will be Ken Duke.

Although Couples makes the second big-name player to pull out, as interest is still at a high locally. Local favorite and former Arizona State golfer Phil Mickelson is still set to play, so people will still turn out, and as it has been seen so far, it may be in record numbers.

This tournament, moreso than many others, is known for the big fan turnouts and the raucous behavior from the gallery.

We will keep you posted on scores.

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