Paul Lawrie out of PGA Championship

Paul Lawrie, the 1999 Open champion, withdrew from the PGA Championship Thursday due to a neck problem.

"Having consulted my doctor this afternoon I have been advised to withdraw from the U.S. PGA Championship," said Lawrie, who defeated Jean Van de Velde and Justin Leonard for his only major title at Carnoustie. "I have a neck problem that is causing headaches and I have been feeling very tired over the past few weeks. While tests do not suggest that anything serious is wrong, I've been advised to rest for at least another week."

Lawrie has played in four PGA Championships, starting with the year he broke through in a major championship. His best finish was a tie for 34th in 1999 and he has missed the cut the last two years.

Lawrie joins a growing list of high-profile players to withdraw from next week's event at Oak Hill. Nick Faldo ended the longest active streak of consecutive starts in major tournaments at 65 when he pulled out to be with his new child, Ian Woosnam withdrew after the death of his father and Nick Price bowed out to spend more time with his family.

The list may grow by one as Padraig Harrington, currently ranked ninth in the world, has indicated he might withdraw. His wife is pregnant with the couple's first child and Harrington stated if she goes into labor before or during the tournament, he will withdraw.

"The baby, my wife and the doctor will all determine my schedule," said Harrington.

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