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European players skipping the U.S. Open

LONDON, June 1 (UPI) -- Paul Lawrie on Friday became the latest European Tour golfer to say he was skipping next week's qualifying event for the U.S. Open golf tournament.

Qualifying starts Monday in Virginia Water, England.

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Lawrie joined seven others, including England's James Hepworth, Bradley Dredge and Simon Wakefield in deciding to forego the event. His withdrawal leaves 65 players competing for nine qualifying places in the 36-hole event.

Six European Tour members -- Anders Hansen, Justin Rose, Angel Cabrera, José Maria Olazabal, Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood -- are exempt for this year's U.S. Open, which begins June 14 in Oakmont, Pa.

To be exempt, a player must be in the top 50 of the world golf rankings when the exemption category closed May 28.

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