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Injury Forces Three-Time British Open Champion to Withdraw from Open Qualifying Event

Jul 15, 2007 | Filed Under: General News   Share

Severely pulled rib muscles will prevent legendary golfer Gary Player from competing in the 36-hole British Open Final Qualifying tournament at Gullane No. 1 on July 14 and 15. Player, winner of three Open titles, the career Grand Slam and 163 tournaments worldwide, was poised to make history with his gritty run at keeping his record intact of competing in what would have been 48 consecutive Opens. The game’s acknowledged global ambassador and golf’s version of the time machine was on a quest to participate in 50 consecutive Open Championships. Player is the only golfer in the 20th century to win the Open in three decades.

“I am just devastated and cannot put into words my deep disappointment,” said Player. “I have been working out especially hard and practicing vigorously for many weeks with the goal of keeping my streak alive. I simply pushed myself too hard and ignored the early signs that something was wrong,” Player admitted. “I obviously aggravated what I thought was only a strain that would go away through exercise and practice. Muirfield was the site of my first major championship win and not to compete there this year is truly heartbreaking. I have so many devoted fans and friends in Britain and I love the Open, Scotland and the Scottish people. I very much will miss putting myself to the test in the Open qualifying tournament.”

Player will stay in Palm Beach, Florida, rest and seek physiotherapy for the injury. He may also be forced to withdraw from the British Senior Open.

Player, who is 66, was no longer exempt to compete in this prestigious tournament as he is over the age limit of 65. His other British Open victories came in 1968 at Carnoustie and in 1974 at Lytham. He is an Honorary Member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and is one of only five golfers to record a career Grand Slam by winning the four majors titles.

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