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Greg Norman withdraws
for personal reasons
Two-time British Open winner Greg Norman
has pulled out of this year's championship due to the death of a close friend.
Norman, who won the title in 1986 and
'93, returned with his wife to their home of Hobe Sound, Florida. He is being
replaced in the field by Scott Henderson of Scotland.
"I'm extremely disappointed to miss
the Open for the second consecutive year, but I've always maintained there's nothing
more important than family and friends," Norman said. "Laura and I have chosen
to return to the United States to lend out support."
Norman missed last year's championship
at St. Andrews while recovering from hip surgery.
His first win, at Turnberry in 1986,
was achieved in rainy and windy conditions. In 1993 at Royal St. George, Norman
edged Nick Faldo by two shots to win his second major championship.
Norman struggled at the Scottish Open
at Loch Lomond last week, finishing seven-over-par, 23 shots behind winner Retief
Goosen.
Henderson qualified as second reserve
at Fairhaven, having won the regional qualifying at Renfrew with a six under par
66. Before hearing of Norman's withdrawal, he had planned to be on the first tee
at 7 a.m. "I'll be there with a packed lunch just waiting for a call up," he said.
Toshi Izawa of Japan also pulled out
of the tournament Wednesday because of illness. He will be replaced by Neil Cheetham
of the United Kingdom.
On Monday, Paul Azinger announced his
withdrawal from the British Open due to a bout with the flu.
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