The 34-year-old was set to play in his first major this week during the 149th Open which will be played at Royal St George's in Sandwich.

The five-time winner on the Sunshine Tour qualified when he successfully came through Final Qualifying for the major.

Meanwhile, the 2015 champion, Zach Johnson, has also been forced to withdraw after he also returned a positive result.

Earlier the reigning Masters champion, Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, and the two-time green jacket winner, Bubba Watson, of the USA were also forced to withdraw after testing positive as well.

South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli is third on the reserve list and can expect to play this week.

Adam Long, Sam Horsfield, Wade Ormsby, Matthieu Pavon and Ross Fisher are the other players on the reserve list.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport