The 154th Open teed off on Thursday at Royal Birkdale with 156 players. However, after just one round, debutant James Nicholas has withdrawn from the season-ending major. 

Nicholas showed signs of discomfort in the opening round. He still battled through it, but things took a turn for the worse. The 29-year-old took to Instagram and shared a heartfelt message after the withdrawal.

“Pushed through it yesterday, but unfortunately that only made things worse, and I’m unable to tee it up today,” Nicholas said. “Competing in an Open Championship has always been a dream of mine, which makes this one especially difficult to accept.”

Through the pain, Nicholas carded a five-over-par 75 in the opening round. The withdrawal decision was made by the 29-year-old ahead of round two.

It is a huge disappointment for Nicholas, who secured his spot at the championship after coming out on top at the Final Qualifying at Burnham and Berrow. 

“I want to thank all of the doctors and medical staff who worked hard to get me in the best shape possible to play this week. This isn’t how I wanted the week to go, but I know I’ll be back. For now, it’s back to the States to focus on recovery and figure out the best path forward,” said Nicholas.

He recorded five bogeys in his opening round despite the injury.

Earlier this season, Nicholas secured his maiden Korn Ferry Tour title at the Astara Golf Championship and was geared up for his Open debut.

The 29-year-old was scheduled to join Thomas Detry and local favorite Matthew Baldwin for the second round before his withdrawal.

But Nicholas is not the only one who withdrew. A former Open champion has also withdrawn from the major even before a ball was struck.

Former Open champion withdraws ahead of the season-ending major after James Nicholas

On Monday afternoon, former champion Louis Oosthuizen announced his decision not to tee off at Royal Birkdale.  

“Not the update I was hoping to share,” said Oosthuizen on his Instagram handle.“… 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.” 

The LIV golfer cited a back injury for his reason of withdrawal. He also won’t play next week’s LIV Golf U.K. event in Rocester, England. 

The South African secured his only major title way back in 2010. It came at the Open at St. Andrews, which he won by a staggering seven strokes over Englishman Lee Westwood.

Following his withdrawal, fellow South African pro Aldrich Potgieter replaced him in the field.

What are your thoughts on Nicholas’ withdrawal? Share them in the comments.

Follow Club Golf for more.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Kalp Thaker