Injury forces Goosen out of US Open

Two-time champion Retief Goosen has withdrawn from the US Open because of a back injury.

The US Golf Association said Thursday that the 44-year-old South African player, the tournament winner in 2001 and 2004, pulled out because of the injury that also forced him to withdraw from the Wells Fargo Championship and The Players Championship.

Goosen's spot in the June 13-16 event at Merion Golf Club will be added to the qualifying positions available at the 11 sectional qualifying sites June 3.