Richie Ramsay withdraws from Genesis Scottish Open due to illness

Home representation in the Genesis Scottish Open has been reduced to eight players after Richie Ramsay withdrew before teeing off in the first round at The Renaissance Club in Edinburgh.

Richie Ramsay had been due to be among eight home players in the field for the Genesis Scottish Open in East Lothian. Picture: Warren Little/Getty Images.

An illness was cited for the Edinburgh-based Aberdonian pulling out of his home Open, which would have been made all the more disappointing due to his attachment to the host venue for the $8 million Rolex Series event.

“I have been ill the last few days and my body can’t take 72 holes,” said Ramsay, who came close to landing a fourth DP World Tour triumph in the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry in May.

“I am hugely disappointed not to compete against the best players in the world (14 of the top 15 are in this week’s field), but sometimes things are outside your control.

“I have to look more long term and just focus on getting better. I can only wish the rest of the Scots and all the other players the best at The Renaissance Club.”

Ramsay has played in 14 Scottish Opens in total, including the last 12, and was the inaugural winner of the Jock MacVicar AGW Memorial Award as the leading Scot last year.

He tied for 15th on that occasion - his best finish in the event since tying for sixth after having a chance to win at Castle Stuart in 2016.

Ramsay’s withdrawal left Bob MacIntyre, Stephen Gallacher, Grant Forrest, Ewen Ferguson, Russell Knox, David Law, Connor Syme and Marc Warren to fly the Saltire on Scotland’s Golf Coast.