Billy Horschel has pulled out of next week’s Irish Open at Royal County Down because of injury.
The US star, who is 25th in the world rankings, said he sustained a “minor back/rib injury” at the recent BMW Championship PGA Tours play-offs event, which carried into last week’s Tour Championship in Atlanta.
“My body needs another week to recover so the injury doesn’t continue to linger,” said the 37-year-old.
“I’m disappointed to miss the Irish Open as I enjoyed and loved my time at the K Club last year. The support that I and all the players received from the Irish fans was unbelievable.”
Horschel played for the USA in the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down and said that he had been “looking forward” to returning to the venue.
The American is a regular competitor on the DP World Tour and will aim to repeat his 2021 victory when he plays in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, before participating at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships and French Open next month.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will headline the Irish Open field.