Former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen has withdrawn from the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale due to a back injury, tournament officials confirmed. The 43-year-old South African, who won the Claret Jug at St Andrews in 2010, will be replaced by compatriot Aldrich Potgieter as the first alternate.
Oosthuizen's Major Record and LIV Commitments
Oosthuizen's Open win remains his sole major title, though he has finished runner-up six times in Grand Slam events: the Masters (2012), PGA Championship (2017, 2021), U.S. Open (2015, 2021), and The Open (2015). The LIV Golf star will also miss the LIV UK event in Rocester on July 23.
Social Media Statement
In a social media post, Oosthuizen said: "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. Thank you to everyone for the support and kind messages. I'll be backing (LIV Golf team) the Southern Guards from afar and look forward to being back out there as soon as I can."
Impact on the Championship
Oosthuizen's withdrawal opens the door for Potgieter, a 21-year-old South African who recently turned professional and has shown promise on the DP World Tour. The 154th Open Championship is scheduled to take place at Royal Birkdale in Merseyside, England, from July 16-19, 2026.
