Darren Clarke will miss the US Open after being advised to rest a troublesome groin problem.
The Open champion has also withdrawn from the Nordea Masters in Stockholm and will not play again until the Irish Open at his home course of Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
“I am extremely disappointed as Open champion that I am unable to play the US Open,” said Clarke.
“But I have to make sure I am 100 per cent ready for Royal Lytham and to do that I have been advised not to play for a month.”
Clarke was troubled by a groin strain during the Shell Houston Open the week before the Masters in early April and felt it again at last week’s BMW PGA Championship.
He sought medical advice and was told to rest for four weeks or risk further damage.
“I haven’t been able to get through the ball properly because of it and I don’t want to take any chances,” said Clarke.
