It’s official, even if it’s not exactly breaking news. The R&A announced today that Tiger Woods has formally withdrawn from the Open Championship in two weeks at Royal Troon.
How underwhelming is the announcement? Well, while it did come on a Saturday morning (in classic Tiger fashion!), it didn’t come from the usual social media drop off a TigerWoods.com release, but rather through an R&A press notice. Woods, who continues to be sidelined recovering from back surgery, had officially announced himself that he would be missing the Masters and the US Open.
For the record, this is the third time Woods has missed the Open due to injury as a professional, the other two times coming in 2008 and 2011. This is also the first time since Woods turned pro that he has missed three consecutive major championships. Woods will now have missed five of the last 11 majors due to injury.
Taking Woods’ place in the field is Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who is having one heck of a week when it comes to being the “next man up.” When Jason Day announced earlier in the week that he would not be competing in the Olympics, Fraser became eligible for the Games as Day’s replacement. Guess that’s two thank you notes the 37-year-old is going to have to write.
The first alternate now for the Open is Luke Donald, with Daniel Summerhays and Charles Howell III next on the waiting list.