John Daly's latest private turmoil has led to his withdrawal from the BMW International Open, starting in Munich tomorrow.

Two weeks ago the former Open champion claimed his fourth wife tried to knife him as he slept in bed and he arrived for the second round of the US Tour's St Jude Championship in Memphis with scratch marks down his face.

Daly completed the event but just before he was due to catch a flight to Germany last night he informed the tournament organisers he "could not currently leave the United States for personal reasons".

The 41-year-old won the event in 2001 with an incredible 27-under-par total - it would have matched the European Tour record but for placing being allowed in one round - and tournament director Marco Kaussler commented today: "We are very sad that John won't be taking part, but we understand his decision.

"We hope that his private situation will resolve itself quickly and very much hope that he will be back taking part next year."

Daly and his wife Sherrie, whom he married only seven weeks after meeting her in 2001, were reported to have argued at a Memphis restaurant.

He called police at 6am the following morning, but when they arrived Sherrie and their two children were not there.

Daly filed a complaint and said: "My only concern is for the safety of my children and myself. We are working closely with local authorities and golf tour security officials to assure appropriate security."

Their son John Jnr was born the week Sherrie and her parents were indicted on charges relating to a drug ring and illegal gambling. She and her mother were jailed for five months and her father for two-and-a-half years.

Last October the couple filed for divorce, but a month later said it was on hold, Daly stating: "We love each other just a little more than we hate each other. We're trying to work things out."