Dustin Johnson set to miss The Open as major-start streak ends

Dustin Johnson will not play this year’s Open Championship after withdrawing from final qualifying. The move ends his run of 38 consecutive major starts and marks his first absence from The Open since he first appeared in it in 2009.

Johnson, 42, did not have automatic entry and had been listed for final qualifying at Dundonald Links. That site was one of four venues offering five places each for the championship at Royal Birkdale, but he has since been removed from the field with no reason stated in the source report.

The two-time major champion has never won The Open, with his best finish coming when he shared second place in 2011. His recent major record has been more modest, with one top-20 finish in his past 15 majors, though he did make the cut in all three majors he played earlier this season.

For editors, the key angle is less speculation about why he withdrew and more what the absence says about the changing shape of Johnson’s major career. The Open is scheduled to begin on 16 July, and any future explanation from Johnson or event officials would be important before adding further detail.