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The R&A has confirmed that John Daly has withdrawn from next week’s Open.
In a short statement, the championship organisers announced that the 1995 winner has pulled out ‘due to a medical condition’.
According to as-yet-unconfirmed reports in the US, Daly – whose place at Royal Portrush has been taken by Kevin Streelman – will instead play in the Barbasol Championship in the US instead, where he is expected to be allowed to use a buggy.
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Daly, who has degenerative arthritis in his knee, had asked the R&A for permission to use a buggy next week. He was afforded the same courtesy by the PGA of America during the US PGA Championship in May.
However, in a social media post at the weekend, Daly revealed the R&A had turned down his request – much to his annoyance.
“Just
got word the R&A turned down my application to use a cart at the
2019 Open Championship,” wrote Daly. “Quite disappointed they do not see
it the same way our PGA of America and PGA Tour sees it. Different
continents different laws???
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“As
a proud Open champion, I know what the Open Championship represent and
what a special tournament it is. I believe all who have earned the right
to compete should be afforded that right to compete and give it their
best shot.
“While I trust the R&A’s decision was made with good intentions, I could not disagree more with their conclusions.”
In the same post, he stated his intention to nonetheless play in the final men’s major of the season.
• Multiple major winner at risk of missing Open
He
subsequently revealed details of a spider bite he suffered in England
last week, from which he claimed he was lucky to survive.
Streelman
had jumped into the first reserve spot after Joaquin Niemann was added
to the field yesterday following Todd Hamilton’s withdrawal.
Rory Sabbatini is now first reserve, followed by Brian Harman and Martin Kaymer.
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