Dustin Johnson will miss The Open Championship for the first time since 2009 after withdrawing from final qualifying at Dundonald Links. The two-time major winner, who needed to qualify after failing to secure automatic entry, has been removed from the field without explanation. His absence breaks a remarkable run of 38 consecutive major championship appearances dating back to the 2017 Masters.

Johnson's recent major form has been modest, managing just one top-20 finish across his last 15 major starts. Despite never winning The Open—his best result being a tie for second in 2011—this absence represents a significant shift. The 42-year-old did make the cut in all three majors he played this season, suggesting he remained competitive enough to extend his streak.

Playing on the LIV Golf tour, Johnson's status in traditional golf circles has evolved since his 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters victories. His withdrawal from the qualifying process means Royal Birkdale loses one of its most recognizable names for the July 16-19 tournament. The former world number one's absence creates an opening for players who successfully navigated the qualifying stage.

This marks the end of an era for one of golf's most consistent performers in major championships. Johnson's streak of consecutive major starts spanned nearly a decade and a half, making his withdrawal from final qualifying particularly noteworthy for the sport's biggest event.