Webb Simpson

US Open champion Webb Simpson has formally withdrawn from the British Open as his wife prepares to give birth.

Simpson had indicated shortly after his victory at the Olympic Club, San Francisco, he would not compete in the third major championship of the year.

And the world No.5 has now confirmed his absence from the tournament at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club, which begins next Thursday.

"I'm a guy who loves my family," Simpson said after a one-stroke victory secured his first major win last month.

"We're probably only going to have a couple more babies, so I have the rest of my life to play the British Open."

Australian Jason Day, ranked 21st in the world, will also miss out after his wife gave birth this week.