Sweden’s Robert Karlsson is a late withdrawal from this year’s Open Championship and his reason surprising most golf observers.

Karlsson got onto Twitter to advise:  “I have just withdrawn from the British Open.  I have issues with my game I need to address’.

Sweden's Robert Karlsson far from happy with his golf game. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Swedish golf writers attending the 141st Open confirmed the Monaco-based Swede, who has won 11 times in Europe. has been struggling with his game but were just as surprised as anyone with Karlsson’s comments.

In fact, one observer spotted Karlsson driving off the par four 16th hole earlier today and the double Ryder Cup star hit is so far right it landed in a corporate hospitality tent.

His withdrawal brings the field down to 156 and with need now for no twoballs this week.

Instead, South African Garth Mulroy will now join Barry Lane and James Driscoll in teeing off first and at 6.30am instead of 6.19am as first advised.

England’s Richard Finch, who was due to tee-up in the second group, will now take Karlsson’s place at 1.30pm.