A ‘small’ back injury has forced Glaswegian Marc Warren out of this week’s defence of this Austrian Open title.

Warren advised European Tour officials of the injury which is disappointing for the now 40-year-old who ended a six-year victory drought in capturing the Austrian title by carrying his own clubs for the four rounds after his regular caddy had been forced out due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The 2020 Austrian Open was last year elevated to full European Tour stature and heralded the opening event following a near four-month lockdown due to the growing worldwide pandemic.

And Warren’s Octagon manager, Mark Ingram sounded Warren’s disappointment.

He said:  “Marc has a small back issue and he’s been advised to rest up for several weeks rather than play at 70%.

“It’s disappointing for him as you never wish to miss the defence of any tournament you’ve won.”

In Warren’s absence there still will be a strong contingent of nine Scots including Scott Jamieson, David Dysdale, David Law, Grant Forrest, Ewen Ferguson, Liam Johnston, Craig Howie, Euan Walker and Kingsbarns Links Daniel Young.

Heading the Austrian field just outside of Vienna is double Major-winning Martin Kaymer.