US Open golf 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 US Open champion. Tiger Woods did not play in 2008 because of season-ending knee surgery the day after he won the US 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 on Thursday.

Simpson was not immediately replaced in the field that has yet to be confirmed at 156 players.