SOUTHPORT, England, July 17 (UPI) -- Former champion Sandy Lyle withdrew Thursday after playing just nine holes at this year's British Open golf tournament in Southport, England.
The 50-year-old Shrewbury, England, native was 10-over-par and before attempting to play No. 10, he grew tired of his fight against the steady rain and heavy winds at the difficult Royal Birkdale golf course.
"It's just a difficult, difficult golf course," Lyle said. "I was out of whack with my golf game and I think it was best to call it a day. I felt I could do myself more harm (physically) than good. I just couldn't score and I couldn't swing the golf club in the end."
Lyle, the 1985 British Open winner, ended his 33rd and shortest Open appearance with a par at the 10th hole, but that came after double-bogeys at both the seventh and eighth and a triple-bogey at the ninth.
