In a bizarre turn of events at The Open Championship, American golfer Johnson Wagner was forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering a freak accident on the practice range at Royal Troon.
The 44-year-old PGA Tour veteran's championship dreams were dashed when a mis-hit golf ball ricocheted off a practice mat and struck him in the jaw, leaving him unable to compete in golf's oldest major.
A Championship Cut Short
Wagner, who had earned his spot through final qualifying, was preparing for his first Open appearance since 2017 when disaster struck. The three-time PGA Tour winner took to social media to share his heartbreaking story, posting an X-ray showing the damage to his jaw.
"I'm gutted to have to WD from The Open," Wagner wrote. "A crazy accident on the range this morning - ball hit off the hosel, bounced off a mat into my jaw. Couldn't chew or talk without pain."
Medical Advice Forces Tough Decision
After seeking immediate medical attention, doctors advised Wagner that competing could risk further injury. The impact had caused significant swelling and pain, making it impossible for him to perform at the level required for championship golf.
The incident occurred just hours before Wagner's scheduled tee time, adding to the frustration for the veteran player who had fought hard to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
Royal Troon's Unforgiving Nature
The famous Scottish links course at Royal Troon is known for its challenging conditions, but few could have predicted this unusual pre-tournament drama. Wagner's withdrawal serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional golf.
Tournament officials confirmed that Wagner's place would not be filled, meaning the field would compete with 151 players instead of the usual 156.
A Season of Setbacks
This latest setback continues what has been a difficult season for Wagner, who has been splitting his time between playing and commentating. His appearance at The Open would have been a highlight in an otherwise quiet year competitively.
Golf fans and fellow professionals took to social media to express their sympathy for Wagner's misfortune, with many noting the cruel irony of being injured by his own practice shot.
As the championship continues at Royal Troon, Wagner's story serves as one of the most unusual withdrawal reasons in recent Open history.
