Rory McIlroy discovers his fate as ex-Open champ pulls out days before | Golf | Sport

Scottie Scheffler is preparing for the defence of his Open Championship crown at Royal Birkdale. The world number one is attempting to become the first player to retain the Claret Jug since Padraig Harrington at the same course in 2008.

Scheffler isn’t in tip-top form after missing his first cut in four years at the recent Scottish Open. As usual, he will face competition from Rory McIlroy, who is looking to get his hands on another major after retaining his Masters crown in April. Since then, the Northern Irishman was joint-seventh at the US PGA Championship before finishing in a tie for 32nd at the US Open. His recent Open Championship performances have been encouraging, with the 2014 winner securing top-seven finishes in three of his last four starts. Here’s a round-up of the latest golf news…

McIlroy confirmation

McIlroy faces a wait to begin his Open Championship campaign after receiving a late tee time on Thursday. The world number two will not tee off until 3.15pm alongside 2024 champion Xander Schauffele and Ryder Cup colleague Matt Fitzpatrick in the marquee afternoon grouping.

By that stage, he will have seen how Scheffler has performed as the defending champion tees off at 9.58am. The American goes out with Bryson DeChambeau, looking to avoid an unwanted calendar year Grand Slam of missed cuts in majors, and Tyrrell Hatton.

Immediately behind them, at 10.09am, will be Southport-born Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth – the last winner of a Birkdale Open – and two-time major winner Jon Rahm. McIlroy and his playing partners have an earlier start on Friday as they will be out at 10.09am.

Open champion pulls out

Louis Oosthuizen, who stormed to Open Championship glory at St Andrews in 2010, has withdrawn from this year’s event owing to injury.

The 43-year-old, who competes on the LIV Golf circuit, has been battling a back complaint but had been hopeful of featuring at Birkdale. However, having failed to make the recovery he had anticipated, the South African has been compelled to pull out.

Oosthuizen posted on social media: “Not the update I was hoping to share. Unfortunately, due to a back injury, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from both The Open and LIV Golf’s JCB event [in Staffordshire].

“It’s incredibly disappointing to miss two events I always look forward to, but my priority now is to focus on my recovery and make sure I’m fully fit before returning to competition.”