European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has withdrawn from the USPGA Championship due to a shoulder injury.
The 47-year-old missed the French Open at the beginning of July as a bout of bursitis affected the mobility in his left shoulder and the condition has ruled him out of next week’s Major tournament at Valhalla Golf Club.
The Dubliner undertook a scan during the Scottish Open and a period of rest has now been prescribed.
McGinley said: “The scan showed that I really needed to rest my shoulder for a couple of months if I am to address the injury properly and so, because of that, I have regrettably had to withdraw from the USPGA Championship.
“It’s a pity because I would have loved to have teed up at Valhalla but I assessed the situation over the past couple of weeks during my family holiday and I think this is the sensible decision.
“It’s not just during the week of the tournament itself that is the problem, it is the fact that the injury also hampers my normal preparation for events and you do not want to be going into any tournament – far less a Major championship – not properly prepared.”
McGinley’s withdrawal leaves four Irish golfers left in the field, led by British Open champion and former USPGA winner Rory McIlroy.
Ireland's other winner of the Wanamaker Trophy Pádraig Harrington will also tee it up in Kentucky, as will Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell.