The 150th Open suffered a big loss this morning as Justin Rose withdrew just before his opening round.
One of golf’s four majors – alongside The Masters, US Open, and US PGA Championship – The Open is also the sport’s oldest competition.
First held in 1860, The Open plays its 150th edition at a familiar stomping ground. This year, the world’s best will take on the Old Course at St Andrews. Impressively, this will be the club’s thirtieth time hosting the illustrious tournament.
Favourites to take home the Claret Jug in 2022 include Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy. Spieth and McIlroy are both former winners of The Open. Meanwhile, Schauffele is still hunting for his first Majors win.
Unfortunately, the tournament will be without one of its homegrown stars in Justin Rose.
Justin Rose withdraws
Just ahead of his 8:14 am tee time, the Brit announced that he would not play in The 150th Open. According to Sky Sports, Rose suffered from back issues during a practice round the day before.
As a result, Justin Rose withdraws from the competition and will miss his first Open since 2006. Rose announced the unfortunate news in a now-deleted tweet (via Daily Mail).
“On the fourth hole yesterday during my practice round, I made a swing with my driver and started to feel pain in my lower back,” tweeted the Brit.
“I’ve been getting round-the-clock treatment, but it just doesn’t feel ready to compete in this prestigious championship.”
Officials found a swift replacement for Rose in Rikuya Hoshino. The Japanese golfer teed off alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari this morning.
Sadly, this high-profile loss is another blow to the PGA Tour in their battle against LIV Golf.
LIV Golf controversy at The Open
A few weeks ago, organising group R&A announced that players on the LIV Golf tour were able to enter The Open this year. This came in direct contrast to the PGA Tour’s decision. They banned said golfers who decided to play in the Saudi-backed competition in June.
Because of this, players such as Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson are competing, despite playing in LIV Golf too. However, the chief executive of the Saudi tournament, two-time Open winner Greg Norman, is not allowed to attend.
Similarly, the LIV Golfers have experienced a fairly cold reception at St Andrews. For instance, multiple outlets report that the crowd booed Ian Poulter on his opening round earlier today.
Additionally, players who remained on the traditional PGA Tour voiced their criticism at those who defected.
Woods and McIlroy weigh in on debate
Both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have spoken negatively about the controversial tournament. The Northern Irishman even said that it will be better for golf if this year’s winner is not from LIV Golf. But McIlroy did say any victor should still receive full credit.
“At the end of the day, everyone that’s here has the same opportunity to go out there and try to win a Claret Jug,” said McIlroy via ESPN. “Regardless of what Tour they play on or whatever it is.
“Whoever wins at the end of the week should be commended for one of the greatest achievements this game has to offer.”
Whilst fans may enjoy a weekend of top-tier golf, those in power will watch on apprehensively at the prospect of a LIV Golf winner.
Featured image credit: Getty