Jose Maria Olazabal's decision to leave his golf clothing and golf clubs at home instead of going to the final qualifying event at Littlestone may lead to him missing the Open Championship this year.
Olazabal, who will captain the European Ryder Cup team in 2012, has withdrawn from the tournament, citing arthritic pains.
The Spaniard has suffered with chronic arthritis for the last 15 years and he has also announced he will miss the French Open.
Olazabal can still qualify for the Open Championship at Royal St George's, Sandwich, Kent, if he picks up a top-five finish at next-week's Scottish Open.
The former Masters winner will be in good company as Tiger Woods recently revealed he will not be packing his golf clothing for the event at Royal St George's.
He has been struggling with injuries since this year's Masters tournament and looks likely to remain out of action until after the July event.