Pavin was one of the players who missed qualifying in Washington

Tournament organisers, the Royal and Ancient, will seek explanations from those who did not play in Washington.

And the R&A has reserved the right to ban them from next year's championship.

"That was terrible. They're spoilt - no spirit of adventure. 'How much is it going to cost me', that's all it boils down to," said Weiskopf.

This was the first year the R&A held qualifying tournaments overseas rather than asking non-exempt players to fly across the Atlantic.

Former US Open champion Corey Pavin and tour winners Loren Roberts, Billy Mayfair, Frank Lickliter, Kevin Sutherland, Rory Sabbatini, Steve Stricker, Carlos Franco, JL Lewis, Fulton Allem, Grant Waite, Tommy Armour and Jose Coceres were among those who skipped qualifying.

They will have some ridiculous excuse Tom Weiskopf

"It's the greatest championship in the world, it is the world open, more players from more countries are represented," added Weiskopf, who won the 1973 Open at Royal Troon.

"It's the tradition of the game, it's links golf, it's what it's all about, different from the other ones.

"They made it easy for these guys and that is really a slap in the face, really poor judgement on their part.

"You should look at that list and remember those guys' names and then when they eventually come over ask them that question and see how they back out of it.

"They will have some ridiculous excuse. I don't understand it."