World number 19 Trevor Immelman faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after having surgery to remove a growth on his diaphragm.
The growth was about the size of a golf ball, the Sunshine Tour said on its official website.
The 28-year-old South African, who won the Sun City Challenge earlier this month, is expected to be out of action for between four and eight weeks.
Twice former South African Open champion Immelman pulled out of last week’s tournament after two holes because of severe pain and discomfort across his ribcage area.
He has won four times on the European Tour and once on the US PGA Tour.
Immelman has also played for the International team in the last two Presidents Cups. – Reuters