Australian Greg Norman has pulled out of next week's Open Championship at St Andrews because of a shoulder injury.

The 1986 and 1993 winner, whose decision lets in his fellow Australian Jason Day, has not played a tournament since shoulder surgery in September.

Norman, 53, will also not be take part in the four-hole Champions Challenge at the Old Course on Wednesday.

"I'm disappointed that I will not be able to participate in this year's Open," said Norman.

Norman came close to winning the Open two years ago, eventually coming tied third at Royal Birkdale.

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"Unfortunately, it is taking me longer than expected to regain my competitive form," added Norman.

"I was especially looking forward to playing St Andrews, celebrating the Open's 150th Anniversary and playing the Champions' Challenge."

Norman's replacement Day, the current world number 72, became the youngest Australian winner of a PGA Tour event when he clinched the HP Byron Nelson Championship in May this year, at the age of 22.

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