Verplank comes off Open reserve list

American Scott Verplank has turned down the chance to act as first reserve in The Open at Sandwich tomorrow.

His compatriot Ricky Barnes, joint runner-up in the 2009 US Open, is now on stand-by to step in if any of the 156-strong field cannot play.

And with Heath Slocum opting to play in Mississippi instead, England’s David Horsey will tee off if there are two withdrawals.

Barnes was eighth reserve little over a week ago, but then Tiger Woods, Thomas Levet, Tim Clark, David Toms and Vijay Singh withdrew and Australian Brendan Jones declined the opportunity to play because his wife is expecting.

Verplank, who has suffered more wrist trouble this season, withdrew from last week’s PGA Tour event in Illinois after an opening 78.