Louis Oosthuizen withdraws from 2026 Open with back injury

South African golfer Louis Oosthuizen has withdrawn from the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale due to a back injury, forcing him to miss the major he won in 2010. The 43-year-old announced his withdrawal on July 13, confirming he will also skip a LIV Golf event scheduled for the following week. His compatriot, Aldrich Potgieter, will take his place in the field.

Oosthuizen stated that the decision was difficult but necessary to prioritize his recovery. He expressed disappointment at missing two tournaments he always anticipates but said his focus is on returning to competition fully fit. The former champion had arrived in Southport ahead of the tournament and was scheduled to begin play on July 16 alongside Jesper Svensson and Jack Buchanan.

His withdrawal continues a challenging period in majors since he joined LIV Golf in June 2022. In seven major starts since that move, Oosthuizen has missed the cut six times, with a tie for 34th at the 2024 Open being his best result. This week would have marked his 18th Open appearance, a tournament where his career is defined by a dominant seven-shot victory at St. Andrews in 2010.

Aldrich Potgieter, 21, gains entry as the first...