THE OPEN RELATED STORIES The Open Home Page The Open Scores Round 4: Harrington defends Open title Round 4: Ian Poulter impresses with second place Round 4: Greg Norman proud of achievement Round 4: Henrik Stenson happy with best finish Round 3: Norman takes a two shot lead Round 2: KJ Choi edges a shot clear at halfway Round 1: Late starters share first round lead Course Guide: Royal Birkdale 2008 European Tour Schedule Open Champions 1860-2007 Tee Times and Pairings Prize Fund/Purse Open Championship scoring and other records Open Championship quotes - Wise and witty words about golf's oldest Championship Wind the biggest threat at Royal Birkdale Injuries aboud around the 137th Open Without Tiger many look to score Major success Unhappy John Daly back at The Open Kenny Perry defends absence Justin Rose returns to scene of 1998 drama Padraig Harrington still a doubt Sergio Garcia favourite for The Open Tiger Woods the hot topic of conversation Lee Westwood praises Royal Birkdale Graeme McDowell looking to continue good form Players puzzled by Kenny Perry's absence Wrist worry for Padraig Harrington Phil Mickelson dodges the Tiger factor Green Royal Birkdale greets players Open not devalued by Tiger absence says O'Meara Furyk confident of better Royal Birkdale fortunes Phil Mickelson confident of adding to Major tally Luke Donald out of Open with wrist injury Justin Rose looking forward not back 137th Open Championship Summary GREAT GIFTS FOR GOLFERS Huge savings on Festive gifts! A golf break in France - just £89! Half Price Golf Vouchers Take 10 shots off your scores! Best Value Golf Insurance

Sandy Lyle criticised for mid round retirement

Former champion Sandy Lyle’s decision to retire midway through Thursday’s first round at the British Open was described as “very disappointing” by Royal and Ancient Golf Club chief executive Peter Dawson.

Lyle, winner in 1985 at Royal St George’s, repeated his act of 1991 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked in without finishing his second round, by deciding to quit after playing 10 holes in driving wind and rain.

The 50-year-old was 11 over par for the tournament after running up two double-bogeys and a triple-bogey to reach the turn in 45.

“We frown on it,” Dawson told reporters. “Sandy is a professional golfer and professional golfers should finish their rounds.

“You wonder what they would think if the recorder went home early and you couldn’t hand your score card in.”

Lyle, Masters champion in 1988, said: “I’d lost all my momentum, my fingers were numb and I couldn’t feel the club. I walked in for the sake of my playing partners as much as anything.”

While Lyle did at least hand in a card, 2002 U.S. PGA champion Rich Beem headed straight off the course without giving a reason for his withdrawal after nine holes.

New Zealander Mark Brown, the first alternate for the third major of the year, was left frustrated at not being able to get an Open start.

“I’m not sure whether they were injured or what, but if they weren’t it’s very disappointing from my perspective,” he said. “I would have been out there in a flash.”