Moments before his 8.14 tee time Justin Rose was forced to withdraw with a back injury. The 2013 US Open champion, who would have been playing in his 20th Open, was replaced in the field by Rikuya Hoshino of Japan.
It was also bad news for Alex Noren who was the first alternate but decided to play in the Barracuda Championship in California.
The Englishman was due to play alongside his Ryder Cup team-mates Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari but his body then let him down at the last minute and he had to pull out.
An hour after his tee time Rose tweeted: "On the 4th hole yesterday during my practice round, I made a swing with my driver and started to feel pain in my lower back. I’ve been getting around the clock treatment but it just doesn’t feel ready to compete in this prestigious championship."
Rose, who made his name when bursting onto the scene as an amateur at the 1999 Open at Birkdale, has a fairly mixed record in the Championship with a best finish of tied second at Carnoustie in 2018. That year he made the cut on the number, with a closing birdie, before making a brilliant run at Molinari over the weekend.
The former World No. 1's last win came at Torrey Pines in 2019, a run that has seen him being overlooked for the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. More recently he showed some sizzling form at the Canadian Open last month when he closed with a final round of 60.
The next player on the reserve list is now Aaron Rai.
-
'A Pretty Weak Argument' - Brad Faxon Questions Rory McIlroy's Bifurcation CommentsFaxon questioned Rory McIlroy's statement that the sport is already bifurcated, where professionals use different equipment to recreational players
-
How PGA Tour Driving Distance Has Increased Through The Years
The golf ball rollback plans have been announced to address driving distances, but much have they increased on the PGA Tour?
-
'There's A Long Way To Go' - Fleetwood Still In The Hunt After Level-Par 71
Tommy Fleetwood will begin the weekend five shots back of leader Brian Harman and well in the chase for his first Major
-
Rory McIlroy Fires Three-Under Third Round To Lead Genesis Scottish Open
The four-time Major winner will take a one shot lead into the final day, with a number of huge names in pursuit
-
Genesis Scottish Open Live Stream: How To Watch The Action From North Berwick
Rory McIlroy leads by a shot but 16 golfers are within five strokes of the lead
-
Could Padraig Harrington Make A Sensational Ryder Cup Return?
Sky Sports commentator Wayne Riley thinks Harrington should be one of Luke Donald's six wildcards
-
Justin Rose Pinpoints Key To Resurgence As He Starts Open Prep In Style
After playing his "cleanest" round of the year, Rose spoke of the reason behind his resurgence as he started his build-up to the Open in style
-
Justin Rose Hopes DP World Tour Will Be 'Huge Beneficiary' Of Deal With PIF
The 42-year-old is optimistic the divisions in the game can heal and the DP World Tour can benefit from the deal
-
Biggest Names To Miss US Open Cut Including Mickelson, Thomas And Spieth
A number of big names are heading home early at the US Open, including Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth
-
Why Does Rickie Fowler Have An Olympic Tattoo?
The American marked his Olympic debut in 2016 by getting the iconic logo inked on his arm
