South African golf legend Ernie Els, a four-time Major winner and two-time Open champion, has withdrawn from The Open Championship at Royal Portrush just days before the tournament tees off. This surprising announcement has sent ripples through the golfing world, leaving fans and fellow players alike speculating about the reason behind his decision.
Els, affectionately known as 'The Big Easy,' secured Open Championship victories in 2002 and 2012, cementing his place as one of the sport's greats. His absence from this year's tournament is a significant blow, marking the first time he's failed to compete when eligible. Last year, a bad back forced his withdrawal at Royal Troon after a challenging first round.
The R&A, organizers of The Open, have not yet released an official statement explaining Els' withdrawal. This lack of clarity has fueled speculation and intrigue among golf enthusiasts. While his recent form includes a victory at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January 2025 on the PGA Tour Champions, his absence from other Majors raises questions.
Stepping in to fill Els' spot is South Korea's Si Woo Kim, who was next in line on the alternate list from last week's Official World Golf Ranking. Kim, who tied for 34th at the Scottish Open, now has a golden opportunity to make his mark at Royal Portrush.
Els has had an illustrious career, amassing 79 professional victories worldwide, including two U.S. Open titles (1994, 1997). His consistent presence at The Open Championship, with 11 top-10 finishes besides his wins, has been a hallmark of his career. However, recent years have seen him struggle, missing the cut six times since his 2012 victory, including three consecutive years between 2022 and 2024.
What Next for The Open?
All eyes are now on Si Woo Kim as he prepares to compete in Els' place. The golfing world will be watching to see if he can seize this unexpected opportunity and make a strong showing at Royal Portrush.
A Look Back at Els' Legacy
- Two-time Open Champion (2002, 2012)
- Two-time U.S. Open Champion (1994, 1997)
- 79 professional victories worldwide