Defending champion Ernie Els, suffering from a back injury, today reluctantly withdrew from the Scottish Open in a bid to be fit for next week's British Open.
The South African today gave up his bid to play at Loch Lomond on medical advice. He telephoned tournament organisers with the news but is optimistic of being in the field for the third Major of the year next week.
Els said: "To be honest I was very tempted to travel to Scotland and play simply because it was Loch Lomond but my doctor advised me not to.
"I have played before when I am not fully fit and it has actually done me more harm than good so I took the decision not to play and telephoned the tournament office this morning.
"Obviously I have one eye on Lytham next week, but at this moment I am confident I will be playing in the Open if the progress I have made over the 10 days carries on."
Els won the Standard Life event at Loch Lomond in style last year and was looking forward to defending his challenge.
The 32-year-old has been having regular treatment on his back since finishing tied 66th in the US Open Championship last month.
Zimbabwean Mark McNulty has also been forced to pull out of the Scottish Open after failing to shake off an elbow injury. Their places are taken in the field by Carl Petterson of Sweden and New Zealand's Elliot Boult.