Australian Nick Flanagan has been forced to withdraw from the second stage of the US Tour School at Oak Valley in California complaining of persistant back spasms. Flanagan withdrew after the first round of the event and will now return to Australia to seek the advice of doctors who will determine whether he plays in any of the Australasian Tours major tournaments this summer. The Newcastle-born player was scheduled to play in the Australian PGA Championship in Coolum from December 4-7 and the Australian Open at Royal Sydney from December 11-14. “It is a very disappointing finish to the year but something that I have to deal with and get resolved before the 2009 season begins,” Flanagan said. “Hopefully I will be able to participate at the PGA Championship and Australian Open but at this stage it is touch and go.”