DALLAS, May 23 (Reuters) - Brian Davis booked his place in this year's British Open on Monday when he won the U.S. qualifying tournament at the Gleneagles Country Club in Texas after Sergio Garcia withdrew because of an infected finger.
Davis, of England, shot six-under-par 64 to win the single-day event, which offered eight automatic qualifying berths, and was reduced from 36 holes to 18 because of heavy rain and lightning.
American Chad Campbell finished outright second with 65, one shot ahead of compatriots, Davis Love III, Spencer Levin, Chris Tidland and Bob Estes and Australia's Nathan Green, who also all qualified for golf's oldest major, to be played at Royal St George's at Sandwich in July.
The final qualifying spot went to American Jerry Kelly, who won a playoff after six players finished tied for eighth after matching rounds of 67.
Garcia pulled out after just four holes, complaining that his finger was too sore to hold the club.
The Spaniard had played in each of the last 13 editions of the British Open, with a best-finish of second in 2007, but was not guaranteed a start this year because his ranking has slipped to 73.
But the 31-year-old, who has struggled with his form and motivation over the past few years, expects to be back in action later this week and could enter other qualifying events yet to be played.
Davis, of England, shot six-under-par 64 to win the single-day event, which offered eight automatic qualifying berths, and was reduced from 36 holes to 18 because of heavy rain and lightning.
American Chad Campbell finished outright second with 65, one shot ahead of compatriots, Davis Love III, Spencer Levin, Chris Tidland and Bob Estes and Australia's Nathan Green, who also all qualified for golf's oldest major, to be played at Royal St George's at Sandwich in July.
The final qualifying spot went to American Jerry Kelly, who won a playoff after six players finished tied for eighth after matching rounds of 67.
Garcia pulled out after just four holes, complaining that his finger was too sore to hold the club.
The Spaniard had played in each of the last 13 editions of the British Open, with a best-finish of second in 2007, but was not guaranteed a start this year because his ranking has slipped to 73.
But the 31-year-old, who has struggled with his form and motivation over the past few years, expects to be back in action later this week and could enter other qualifying events yet to be played.
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