Battling Ernie Els withdraws from The Open before second round

**Ernie Els Withdraws from The Open Championship Due to Back Injury**

Ernie Els, South Africa’s most recent major champion, withdrew from The Open Championship ahead of his second round on Friday. The 54-year-old golfer struggled to an 11-over-par 82 in the first round and later disclosed that a back injury had contributed to his poor performance.

Els, who has participated in every Open Championship since 2019, has now failed to reach the weekend rounds in the last four tournaments following his withdrawal. He announced his decision in a social media post, expressing his disappointment.

“Really disappointed to have had to withdraw from this year’s Open Championship. I tweaked my back, which means I also have to miss next week’s Senior Open presented by @rolex. I want to say thank you to @therandagolf and to everyone who came out to support us this week @royaltroongc. The @theopen fans are the best fans in the world,” Els wrote.

Els was considered a promising long-shot contender this week, especially after winning his first senior major title at the Kaulig Companies Championship on the US Champions Tour over the weekend. Known for his ability to surprise, Els notably won the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s when Australian Adam Scott faltered on the final nine holes, paving the way for Els’s victory.

Despite his recent struggles, Els remains a significant figure in golf. He is a four-time senior men’s major champion and the last South African to win one of the sport’s four major events, with his unexpected triumph 12 years ago.

Currently, only three South African players appear likely to make the cut at The Open, with former champion Louis Oosthuizen outside the cut mark in 129th position. Dean Burmester is the top-placed South African, tied for fourth after 16 holes.

Tiger Woods is also on course to miss the cut, sitting in 151st place on 12-over after 12 holes.