Johnstone pulls out of British Open

European Tour veteran Tony Johnstone went off for a medical check-up after pulling out of the British Open championship final qualifying competition after 15 holes today.

The 47-year-old Zimbabwean World Cup golfer was only two over par, but did not feel well enough to continue.

“It’s the first time in my career I’ve not handed a score in,” said Johnstone.

“I completely lacked energy and had to add three clubs to every yardage.”

The former Volvo PGA champion, who first played in the Open 21 years ago, wondered if his problem was related to the virus which kept him in hospital for two weeks last season.

A total of 384 players were competing at four courses near Sandwich for the final 28 places in the British Open beginning on Thursday.