ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) Former champion Ben Curtis has pulled out of next week’s British Open and been replaced in the field by fellow American Tony Finau.
The R&A has not given a reason for Curtis’ withdrawal Wednesday.
U.S. player James Hahn has been promoted to first reserve.
Curtis won the British Open in 2003 at Royal St. George’s when a big outsider.
The 2017 tournament is staged at Royal Birkdale in the northwest of England from July 20-23.