Justin Rose withdrew from The Open on Thursday morning because of a back injury.
Rose, 41, had been grouped with Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari and was due to tee off at 8:14 a.m. BST. But Rose was not on the first tee, and just before 9 a.m. on Thursday, with play already underway in his group, the R&A announced Rose’s withdrawal.
The one-time major champion sustained the injury on Wednesday as he cut his practice round short. He was on the range on Thursday morning but looked to be moving gingerly as he bent down to place the ball on the tee.
EDITOR’S PICKS
R&A boss: LIV ‘harming the perception’ of golf
1dMark Schlabach
Rory favored at Open, but bettors backing Tiger
19hDavid Purdum
“On the fourth hole yesterday during my practice round, I made a swing with my driver and started to feel pain in my lower back,” Rose said. “I’ve been getting around-the-clock treatment, but it just doesn’t feel ready to compete in this prestigious championship.”
Rikuya Hoshino was a late call-up to join Fleetwood and Molinari on Thursday morning.
Rose was looking to improve on his best finish at The Open, which was a tie for second in 2018. This was set to be his third attempt at winning The Open at St. Andrews, having failed to make the cut in 2010 and then finished tied for sixth in 2015 on 11 under.
It has been a mixed year for Rose, as he missed the cut at the Masters, finished tied for 13th in the PGA Championship and tied for 37th in the US Open.
Rose’s withdrawal means he will miss The Open for the first time since 2006.
Erik van Rooyen is another withdrawal at St. Andrews. The South African also pulled out because of a back injury and has been replaced by Aaron Rai of England.
Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com
Want More From Sports Gossip?
For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
