Daly pulls out of Open after cart bid is rejected
John Daly, the 1995 winner, has withdrawn from next week’s 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush due to a “medical condition”.
The American initially said he would try to play “through the pain” of a long-term knee problem after his request to use a cart was turned down by the R&A, but the 53-year-old has had a change of heart.
The two-time major winner had been allowed to use a cart in the US PGA under the Americans With Disabilities Act, although he missed the cut at Bethpage.
Daly has been replaced in the field by Kevin Streelman, with Rory Sabbatini now first reserve for the final major of the year ahead of Brian Harman and Martin Kaymer.
On the amateur front, Scotland made strong starts in both the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships in Sweden and Italy respectively.
In-form Euan Walker led the way with a 67 that included an eagle and six birdies as the men ended the first round lying third, two shots behind both Ireland and England, at Ljunghusen Golf Club.
The women, meanwhile , are lying second, five shots behind leaders Italy, at Is Molas Golf Club, where Hazel Macgarvie, Shannon Mcwilliam and Chloe Goadby all shot 69s.
In the junior ranks, France’s Theodore Reitter set the pace in the Scottish Boys’ Under-16s Open after firing a five-under 66 at Royal Burgess.
The effort earned him a twoshot lead over England’s Will Coxon, with Falkirk’s Ross Laird a shot further back in third and host-club player Cameron Adam also in the top ten after a 71.