THE SIDELINES : Haas Withdraws From British Open

TROON, Scotland —  Jay Haas withdrew from the British Open today, saying he was “not mentally prepared” for a long trip to play in a tough tournament.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which runs the Open, said it had received a message from Haas in the United States saying he intends to play in the 1990 Open at St. Andrews.

Miquel Martin of Spain, the top alternate, took Haas’ place for Thursday’s first round.

“I regret I am not mentally prepared to endure the international travel and the demands of play in the British Open, and accordingly I regretfully withdraw from the 1989 British Open championship,” Haas said in the message.

Haas won the Bob Hope Desert Classic in 1988 but has not played well this season. Coming into the Open, he was 78th on the U.S. PGA Tour money-winning list with $117,194.