David Duval has withdrawn from this year's British Open Championship for personal reasons.
The 35-year-old American, winner of the 2001 Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, has advised the Royal and Ancient Golf Club he will not compete at Carnoustie.
A statement from the R and A said the withdrawal was 'as a result of personal family matters'.
The former world number one has plummeted to number 428 in today's rankings.
He has played in only five tournaments this year with a best finish of tied 39th. It is a long way from his level of play at the turn of the century when he won 13 PGA tournaments from 1997 to 2001.
In 1999, he became only the third player after Al Geiberger and Chip Beck to shoot 59 when he carded the iconic mark in the final round of the Bob Hope Classic.
