Michael Hoey and caddie Owen Craig have parted company. Picture Fran Caffrey www.newsfile.ieMichael Hoey’s caddie Owen Craig was left job hunting after getting the sack at The Open.

The Ulsterman helped Hoey to three European Tour wins but their relationship came to an end at Royal Lytham on Friday night after rounds of 79 and 75 saw him miss the cut by 11 strokes on 14 over.

Hoey said: “I’d like to thank Owen for the last three years work. He is a great caddy but it was time to freshen things up.”

World No 101 Hoey has been struggling with his game since he captured the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco at the end of March.

His next start will be in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron where he needs a good finish to make the world’s top 100 and ensure his place in the following week’s US PGA.