Watson and Funk pull out of Open

US golfers Fred Funk and Tom Watson have withdrawn from the British Open, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club announcedThursday.

Watson withdrew as a result of an injury to his shoulder and arm.

He telephoned Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of the Royal and Ancient on Thursday to state that unfortunately he would be unable to compete in The Open Championship at Troon.

Watson however still hopes to compete in the Senior British Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

"We are sad that Tom Watson has withdrawn as he has been a great supporter of The Open Championship," Dawson said.

He will be greatly missed by us all and in particular by the Scottish crowds with whom he has a great rapport," he added.

The vacant spots will be added to the 12 places that were coming from Local Final Qualifying on July 10-11.

There are now 140 exempt or qualified players with 14 to come from Local Final Qualifying and one each from the Scottish Open and the John Deere Classic.

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