Matsuyama and 2 more players pull out from British Open

ST ANDREWS: Three more players withdrew from the British Open next week at Royal St George’s, a growing list that includes Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who was concerned about practice time and travel.

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and former British Open champion David Duval also withdrew Sunday. That brings to 13 the number of players who had been planning to play but withdrew.

Matsuyama tested positive for the coronavirus during the Rocket Mortgage Classic last week in Detroit and has been self-isolating. He remains symptom-free, though subsequent tests have come back positive.

“I’m feeling fine but haven’t been able to practice in preparation for the Open,” Matsuyama said in a statement released by the R&A. “Combining that with the difficult travel to the UK, my team and I have decided it’s best to withdraw to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Watson had to withdraw ater he said he was in close contact with someone who had a positive COVID-19 test.

“While I am vaccinated and have passed the required pre-travel COVID test, not enough time has passed for me to comfortably join the charter flight and risk exposure to the other players and personnel on board,” Watson said in a statement on Twiter.

“I feel badly missing The Open and look forward to playing again at St Andrews next year. I’d like to thank the many Golf fans for their continued concern and support as I strive to return to the game I love as soon as possible,” he added.

The R&A did not say why Duval chose to withdraw. He won the British Open in 2001 at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

“Matsuyama has been in quarantine since then and is currently symptom free,” the R&A said in an article on the Open website. “Subsequent PCR tests have continued to show positive results.

Harold Varner III, Brendan Steele and John Catlin, the Californian who plays exclusively on the European Tour, have taken their spots in the field.