Scott Hoch latest American withdrawal

The list of Americans who will not be playing in the Open at Carnoustie this coming week grew even longer when Ryder Cup player Scott Hoch withdrew on Saturday.

The 43-year-old has only played three Open championships in his entire career and his decision - no reason was given - follows the scratching of Jack Nicklaus, John Daly, Fred Couples, Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Brad Faxon and Steve Jones.

In addition, Loren Roberts did not enter and last year's US Amateur champion Hank Kuehne sacrificed his chance to play by turning professional immediately after the US Open last month.

Hoch, a member of the United States team which lost at Valderrama two years ago, currently lies 24th in the race for places in this year's team.

The world number 31 could have gone to seventh spot by lifting the title, however.

Crenshaw and Kite are not coming because of poor form, Daly has a crisis of confidence and flew home from Ireland last Monday, while Jones, Couples and Faxon have injuries.