Crane's Open status a mystery as Karlsson withdraws
Open Championship PGA Tour

Crane’s Open status a mystery as Karlsson withdraws

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Did he or didn't he? It's unclear if Ben Crane has asked to have his name taken off the alternate list for the Open Championship.

The PGA Tour reported Crane took his name off the top of the alternate list on Wednesday, around the same time Robert Karlsson became the first player to pull out of the championship.

"Disappointed not to be playing @The_Open(1st alt). One of my favorite tournaments and a great test of golf," he tweeted. "I'll eat more haggis next year."

The Open Championship began this week with a field of 157 players - one more than the typical 156-player limit. When Karlsson withdrew, the field was reduced to the proper 156 players, meaning Crane would not be admitted into the field unless another player withdrew.

Crane is not in England, awaiting for a second player to withdraw. The Associated Press reports Crane is still eyeing flights to Lytham.

Michael Thompson would take Crane's place as first alternate, grabbing a spot if a second players pulls out before play begins on Thursday.

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