R&A chief shocked by snubs

Perry: Heading to Milwaukee

I can't pretend I understand Kenny Perry's decision. I find it disappointing. You're not going to win majors if you don't enter and I think the history books show that majors are what you are remembered for.

Peter Dawson on Kenny Perry
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Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson admits he has been left stunned by the decision of a couple of players to skip this year's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

It has been common knowledge for some time that world number one Tiger Woods would be unable to play next week, but Dawson is more than a little puzzled by the absences of both Kenny Perry and Shingo Katayama.

Perry, 47, is enjoying a fine season and with two wins on the PGA Tour this year (Memorial Tournament and Buick Open) has moved into the top 20 in the world rankings.

However, the American has opted to snub the season's third major and has agreed to play in a PGA Tour event in Milwaukee instead.

"I can't pretend I understand Kenny Perry's decision," stated Dawson. "He's having a great run and we are very sorry he's not here.

"I find it disappointing. You're not going to win majors if you don't enter and I think the history books show that majors are what you are remembered for.

"You spend a lot of money setting these events up."

Katayama, Japan's leading player ranked 47 in the world, has also decided to snub the Open Championship - and not for the first time in his career.

Like Perry, his choice has left Dawson baffled.

"It's a pity and it's a shame Shingo Katayama is not coming as well. I can't pretend to understand that either.

"He's failed to play two or three times in my time. I think he withdrew fairly late on a year or two ago - I remember that because I had him down to play with Tiger."

Bigger than one player

However, despite the absentees, Dawson remains confident Birkdale will play host to a memorable tournament and is adamant it will not be devalued by the fact world number one Woods is unable to compete.

"Obviously it's very sad that he's not here and let's hope he gets better quickly, but The Open is bigger than one player and we're still going to have a great championship," Dawson continued.

"He's played in every one since 1995 and won three, so it was odds against him winning this year."

One particular talking point in the run-up to the event has been the green at the par-five 17th which is now much more undulating and potentially problematic for players than previously.

"I guess it's going to be a talking point, but I'm trying to avoid it becoming a bigger one that it really is," added Dawson.

"I've spent a lot of time there watching players play and Adam Scott echoed what I said, which is that they have 18 sportier greens at Augusta every year.

"We're going to use some reasonably sensible pin positions, I'm sure, and I really don't expect it to be an issue."