Open champion Paul Lawrie has pulled out of this week's US Open due to a groin injury.

The Scottish golfer, who missed last week's Buick Classic due to the same injury, was advised by doctors to withdraw from the US Open competition at Pebble Beach.

"I have been advised by my physiotherapist to make sure that the groin injury is completely cured before returning to competitive play, which requires rest and further treatment," he said in a statement released by IMG.

He had been grouped with Jack Nicklaus and David Gossett in the first and second-round pairings for Pebble Beach.

Lawrie hopes to return within the next few weeks to defend his Open title at St. Andrews from July 20-23.