Justin Rose OUT of The Open as former world No 1 withdraws at the last minute

Justin Rose is OUT of this week’s Open Championship at the last minute as the former world No 1 withdraws before the first round at St Andrews after suffering a back injury in practice on Wednesday

  • Justin Rose has withdrawn from The Open at the last minute due to a back injury
  • The former world No 1 suffered a back injury in practice ahead of the first round
  • Englishman Rose, 41, was seen warming up, but didn’t appear for his tee time 

Former world No 1 Justin Rose has withdrawn from the 150th Open before the first round due to injury and was quickly replaced by Rikuya Hoshino.

The 41-year-old suffered a back injury in practice on Wednesday, the final session ahead of the start of the major tournament at St Andrews.

Rose had ended his practice round prematurely, leading to speculation he may have sustained a problem.

Justin Rose has withdrawn from this week’s Open before the first round due to a back injury

Rose had ended Wednesday's practice round prematurely and did not show up for his tee time

Rose had ended Wednesday’s practice round prematurely and did not show up for his tee time

The Englishman was, however, seen warming up at the driving range this morning, but then he did not arrive at the first tee for his scheduled 8.14am tee time.

Therefore the 26-year-old Hoshino joined the Ryder Cup dream team pairing of Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari, the 2018 champion, as a late replacement.

First reserve had been Alex Noren but he chose to go to the PGA Tour’s Barracuda Championship in California, which starts later on Thursday.

Japan's Rikuya Hoshino has replaced Englishman Justin Rose at The Open at St Andrews

Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino has replaced Englishman Justin Rose at The Open at St Andrews

Englishman Aaron Rai will now step up to be the first reserve for The Open should there be anymore late withdrawals.

The 27-year-old finished in 19th spot at The Open last year.  

The PGA Tour confirmed the news on social media, by posting: ‘Justin Rose (back injury) has withdrawn from The Open Championship and will be replaced by Rikuya Hoshino.

‘Aaron Rai is now the first alternate.’

Rose is the second player in the top 50 of the world rankings to miss out on the historic Open.

Daniel Berger, the world No.26, has already been forced to sit it out due to an injury of his own.

It is the first time since 2006 that the 2016 Olympic gold medallist will not be part of the field at The Open.

The Open got underway this morning for the first round of the prestigious competition. 



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