Last season's Masters champion Trevor Immelman, who has been out of action since withdrawing from the Memorial Tournament a month ago with a wrist injury, has pulled out of next week's Open at Turnberry.
"My injury has been responding well to treatment, but at this point it just isn't far enough along to allow me to be ready for the Open," said the South African.
"As disappointing as it will be to not be there, I have to continue doing what's right for my long-term health. I'm looking forward to continuing with the rehabilitation and getting back to doing what I love, playing golf."
Immelman is now expected to return at the Canadian Open in two weeks' time.
Swede Robert Karlsson and New Zealander Tim Wilkinson withdrew injured yesterday, and it is expected that world number two Phil Mickelson will not play either because of his wife Amy's breast cancer treatment.
Immelman also did not play at Hoylake in 2006, but that was after his wife Carminita went into labour in America.
Immelman's withdrawal brings Australian Matthew Goggin into the Open field as the highest-ranked player in the world not exempt.
Terrence McGee of Buffalo Bills hurt while covering Terrell Owens in practice
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady throws, stretches in light rain
IMMELMAN WITHDRAWS FROM US OPEN
