Former Open winner Greg Norman has confirmed that he will not be able to take part in this year's championship at St Andrews following recent surgery on his hip.

The 1986 and 1993 winner told Royal and Ancient club secretary Peter Dawson that he delayed his decision as long as possible but finally realised that it would not be in his best interests to compete next week.

Spaniard Miguel Angel Martin has also joined the short list of withdrawals after a buggy accident while practising ahead of the final qualifying for the Open.

Martin injured his elbow as his vehicle struck a tree stump which consequently forced him out of the Standard Life event in Loch Lomond.

Fellow Spaniards Ignacio Garrido and Diego Borrego will also miss the qualifying session as will Britain's Gary Evans and Warren Bennett.