Ernie Els Retires from the Open Championship
The two-time champion, Ernie Els, has decided to withdraw from the Open Championship. This is the second time this year that the 55-year-old South African golfer has been absent from a major championship.
The tournament organizer, The R&A, did not provide a specific reason for Els’ withdrawal. Si Woo Kim, who held the next position on the alternate list according to last week’s world ranking, will take his place.
Els won the Open Championship in 2002 at Muirfield, after a four-player playoff. His second triumph came in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.
Open champions have the right to participate in the tournament up to the age of 60 years.
Previously, Els also withdrew from this year’s The Players Championship.
