Webb Simpson pulls out of Open field

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson withdrew from the British Open on Friday as he awaits the birth of his second child.

It will be the second time in the last five years that the British Open is missing the U.S. Open champion. Tiger Woods did not play in 2008 because of season-ending knee surgery the day after he won the U.S. Open.

Simpson has said all along it was doubtful he would travel to Royal Lytham & St. Annes because his wife, Dowd, was expecting their second child. The British Open starts next Thursday.

Simpson was not immediately replaced in the field. Two spots are available this weekend, which would bring the field to 156 players. If both are not filled, Ben Crane would get in as the first alternate.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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