Former champion Daly withdraws from Open after buggy has been rejected

Daly won the 1995 Open in St Andrews

Twice the big winner John Daly withdrew from the Open Championship after his request to use a buggy was rejected.

The 1995 Open winner used a buggy at the US PGA Championship in May due to a knee issue.

After the R & A rejected his request on Saturday, the 53-year-old said he would have tried to "endure the pain" but had since changed his heart.

American Kevin Streelman will replace Daly in the field.

"After considering all relevant factors, the championship committee decided to reject his request," said the R & A, who added that they were "full of sympathy" with Daly's position.

"We believe that running the course is an integral part of the championship and is central to the tradition of left golf that is synonymous with The Open."

Daly said on Saturday that he had hoped to play despite the R & A's decision

Daly, who was released to play in the American PGA under the Americans With Disabilities Act, asked why there were different laws in different continents in a statement issued on Saturday

The American defeated Costantino Rocca in Italy in a play-off to lift the Claret Jug at St Andrews 24 years ago.

Daly is exempt from qualifying, like all previous Open champions, until he is 60 years old.

The Open returns to Portrush for the first time in 68 years from 18-21 July.