Henrik Stenson withdraws 103rd SA Open

Stenson withdraws 103rd SA Open

DOWERGLEN (18 November 2013) - Defending champion Henrik Stenson has withdrawn on the eve of the 103rd South African Open Championship, citing his ongoing wrist injury, said tournament promoter Africa Sports Holdings.

The man his peers are calling the best golfer in the world committed to his title defence in September, but the wrist injury was aggravated as he gritted his way through the European Tour season-finale, DP World Tour Championship, at the weekend.

The Swede advised the organisers via email late this afternoon that he agonised over the decision.
"Despite my performance in Dubai, I am still having concerns about my wrist, and it really needs to rest," Stenson said.

"I realise this is disappointing to the organisers and my fans, but this decision was extremely difficult for me. I love this tournament and was always looking forward to coming back to defend my title.

"Unfortunately, in our line of business, we have to be very mindful of injuries and be careful not to make matters worse. I wish everyone participating in this year's SA Open a fantastic tournament."

Tournament chairman Khaya Ngqula said he understands Stenson's predicament and respects his decision.

"I am disappointed that the South African Open supporters will not have the chance to see the European number one in action, but we have to respect Henrik's decision and we wish him a speedy recovery," Ngqula said.

"His withdrawal, however, means that one more player from the 361 qualifiers will have the chance to challenge in this year's event. We are still incredibly excited about the 103rd edition which will see 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen, European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and 2001 Open champion David Duval lead a strong field of local and international challengers."

The 103rd SA Open Championship tees off from 21 – 24 November at Glendower Golf Club, but first,
361 qualifiers will challenge for 16 spots at three venues – Kempton Park Golf Club, Irene Country Club and Wingate Country Club – on Tuesday, 19 November.

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Full ticket information can be found at www.southafricanopen.com or at Computicket online.

Written by Lali Stander and issued by The Write Word Sports Consultants.

For further information, please visit www.southafricanopen.co.za or contact:

PROMOTERS
Mala Pavaday
AFRICA SPORTS HOLDINGS
Tel: +27 11 783 4455/88 • Fax: 086 403 2291 • Email: mala@mqandagroup.com

MARKETING AND PR
Kazi Ngqula
MATSHEZI PRODUCTIONS/COMMUNICATIONS
Tel: +27 11 783 4455/88 • Cell: 084 737 9863 • Email: kngqula@yahoo.com

SOUTH AFRICAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
Bruce Younge (Executive Director)
Tel: +27 11 476 1713 • Cell: 083 374 3455 • Email: bruce@saga.com

SUNSHINE TOUR
Mike Green (Communication Manager)
Tel: 021 850 6500 • Cell: 082 830 2808 • Email: mgreen@sunshinetour.com

EUROPEAN TOUR
The European Tour Communications Department
Tel: +44 1344 840400 • Email: media@europeantour.com

CITY OF EKURHULENI
Sam Modiba
Spokesperson: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Tel: +27 11 999 0094 • Cell: +27 72 515 3022 • Email: Samuel.Modiba@ekurhuleni.gov.za

GLENDOWER GOLF CLUB
Sandy Burnard
General Manager
Tel: +27 11 453-1013/4 • Fax: 011 453-3760 • Email: golf@glendower.co.za
Address: 20 Marias Road, South Africa