THURSDAY, 1.15PM:
US Open champion and South Africa’s Ernie Els is likely to win the World Matchplay title for the fourth time next month after three of this year’s major winners did not accept invitations to play in the 12-player field in England.
Masters Champion Tiger Woods of America, British Open winner Justin Leonard and PGA title holder Davis Love were unable to accept invitations because of prior engagements. Tony Greer, spokeperson for the Internaional Management Group, said: “The problem with these players is that they make their schedules early in the year and by the time they have won a major title their schedules are set.”
Gree said that even German Benhard Langer — who has won three European Tour titles this sesason — is unavailable.