In a huge blow for organisers England’s Lee Westwood has withdrawn from this week’s $US 5m Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

There had been rumours the former World No. 1 might not compete in the ‘Celebration of Links Golf’ and this has been confirmed today (Mon).

Westwood, who captured the 2003 Dunhill Links, cited tiredness following Europe’s stunning come-from-behind mircale at Medinah.

However in the absence of Westwood three other members of the victorious European Team will be present including past Dunhill winners Paul Lawrie and Martin Kaymer.

Joining them will be Sweden’s Peter Hanson along with Dustin Johnson, a member of the losing American team.

Lawrie won the Dunhill Links in 2001 while German Kaymer, who holed the putt that kept the trophy in European hands, was champion in 2009.

South African Olympic and Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius and American swimmer Michael Phelps are among the stars from other sports taking part in the pro-am format.

The first three days are at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, then the leaders play the final round back at St Andrews.