London ? Jean Van de Velde will miss the British Open’s return to Carnoustie, where he squandered a three-shot lead on the last hole.

The French player, who eventually lost a three-man playoff to Paul Lawrie at Carnoustie in 1999, has suffered from a virus for more than three months.

Because of his low ranking, Van de Velde would need to play next week’s Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and earn the only qualifying spot for the July 19-22 British Open.

But his agent, Jamie Cunningham, said Friday that the golfer would instead have further medical tests.

“He knows what pulling out of the Scottish Open means and he is bitterly disappointed about it, but he does not think there is any point going there not feeling competitive,” Cunningham said. “He does not feel 100 percent confident of playing four rounds, so reluctantly is withdrawing. Hopefully it won’t be long before he’s back.”

Van de Velde has been feeling ill since the Portuguese Open in early April.