Injury Forces 2010 Winner Oosthuizen to Withdraw
by Maura Hutchinson
Muirfield was the first tournament back for Oosthuizen since having to pull out of the U.S. Open last month with a neck injury. The 2010 Champion was seen struggling throughout his first few holes yesterday and after teeing off at the ninth decided to call it a day.
“I am bitterly disappointed to have to pull out of The Open and it looks likely now I am going to have to take some time off and give my neck the rest I've been told it needs,” he said afterwards. “I thought I would be okay as I warmed up pretty well on the range but then as the round progressed the pain in my neck translated into my hips and I found it increasingly uncomfortable to walk.”
It now looks like the 30-year-old will also miss out on next month’s PGA Championship.
Meanwhile, Hanson, a member of last year’s Ryder Cup team, was only able to last five holes at Muirfield before a back injury forced him to throw in the towel. On Wednesday he had admitted his participation was 50/50 but he decided to go for it Thursday morning, meaning Luiten lost out on a last-minute Open spot.
Noren became the third player to withdraw after completing his first round. A wrist injury was cited as the Swede’s issue after a disappointing 12-over 83 score yesterday.