Former winner Howell drops out with injury

Actor Hugh Grant had to play three holes by himself in the team competition at Carnoustie today after professional partner, David Howell, winner in 2013, was forced to pull out of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after nine holes because of a wrist injury.

Stuart Manley, the English professional heading up the stand-by list, was summoned from St Andrews and joined Grant on the 12th tee.

“I had never met Stuart before today and suddenly we were partners and had six holes of our round to go,” said Grant. “It’s a real shame for David who is a very good friend of mine.”