The Southern Guards captain had been racing against time to recover in time for golf’s oldest major, but the injury he picked up while competing on the LIV Golf circuit has not healed sufficiently.

Oosthuizen had been undergoing treatment in the United States and remained optimistic until recently that he would be fit for the year’s final major. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he was unable to overcome the setback.

Louis Oosthuizen in Mexico City - LIV Golf

His withdrawal has, however, opened the door for one of South Africa’s brightest young talents, Aldrich Potgieter.

Potgieter narrowly missed out on qualifying for The Open on Monday after competing in the Last-Chance Qualifier. The 21-year-old finished third with an even-par 70, missing the lone qualifying place, which went to England’s Joe Dean after a two-under-par 68.

Potgieter had put himself firmly in contention, but a couple of costly bogeys on the back nine ended his hopes of qualifying the traditional way.

Aldrich Potgieter - Sunshine Tour

Just a few hours after that disappointment, his fortunes changed dramatically. Oosthuizen’s withdrawal handed Potgieter a place in the field, allowing him to tee it up at The Open for a third time and in his seventh major championship.

The powerful young South African missed the cut in both his previous Open appearances, in 2022 and 2025, and last year’s PGA Tour Rookie of the Year will be determined to make a deeper run this week.

Speaking about his withdrawal, Oosthuizen admitted the decision was a difficult one after exhausting every avenue to try and be ready.

Casey Jarvis - Sunshine Tour

“Not the update I was hoping to share,” said Oosthuizen.

“Unfortunately, due to a back injury, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from both The Open Championship and LIV Golf’s JCB event.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to miss two events I always look forward to, but my priority now is to focus on my recovery and make sure I’m fully fit before returning to competition.

“Thank you to everyone for the support and kind messages. I’ll be backing the Southern Guards from afar and look forward to being back out there as soon as I can.”

Jack Buchanan - Sunshine Tour

South Africa will still have strong representation at Royal Birkdale, with seven other golfers in the field. Reigning South African Open champion Casey Jarvis will lead the charge, while Jayden Schaper, Shaun Norris, Michael Hollick, Hennie du Plessis and MJ Daffue are also set to compete.

Promising amateur Jack Buchanan will also have the opportunity to test himself on one of golf’s biggest stages when he makes his Open Championship appearance.

The 154th Open Championship gets under way on Thursday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport