• Levet was celebrating victory in the French Open • Faces operation and six weeks out of action

This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

Thomas Levet has followed Tiger Woods in withdrawing from next week's Open after fracturing his shin jumping into a lake on Sunday.

The 42-year-old, who was celebrating victory in his home French Open, will now have an operation and will be out of golf for six weeks.

His place at Sandwich goes to the American Robert Garrigus and makes Anthony Kim, Simon Dyson and Thomas Bjorn – runner-up at Royal St George's in 2003 after leading by three with four to play – the next three reserves.

"I am extremely disappointed to miss out on the Open Championship, but my specialist has advised me to have an operation on the fracture tomorrow morning," said Levet, who was second to Ernie Els at Muirfield in 2003 after a five-hole play-off.

"I will have screws and a plate inserted which will ensure that my shin recovers completely.

"I will be off for six weeks, which is very bad timing with so many important tournaments coming up. However, the wonderful memory of winning my national Open will definitely keep me going through my recovery!"