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Els pulls out of FedEx Cup event

29/08/2007

South African Ernie Els has announced his withdrawal from this week's Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston, for personal reasons.

The world number four golfer, who lives in Surrey near the world famous Wentworth golf course, has said he wants to return home to spend time with his young family.

Despite finishing an impressive fourth in the Barclays Classic in New York over the weekend – the first of four FedEx Cup events to be held over the next month – Els says he wants to take a break after a gruelling period on the PGA Tour.

"I have been on the road now for almost eight weeks and it is important that I return home where my children will be preparing for their return to school," Els said.

"I regret having to miss such a prestigious and important tournament and I wish everybody there an enjoyable and successful week."

He did confirm he would return to the US for the third of the four events in Illinois next week, which is the precursor to the PGA Tour Championship in Atlanta next month.

The tournaments are effectively used as 'qualifying events' before the field is cut to a final 30 players who compete for the £10 million prize money offered to the overall winner of the FedEx Cup.

Els is currently placed in the top 30, behind Steve Stricker who leads after his Classic victory last week.

World number one Tiger Woods, who sat out last week's tournament, is currently fourth in the standings courtesy of his points haul from earlier events this season.