Friday 1 January 2016 11:07, UK
Charl Schwartzel has been forced to withdraw from next week's South African Open.
The South African has had a miserable Christmas and has been in and out of hospital in recent days for rehydration treatment after being afflicted by a stomach virus, along with other members of his family.
The 31-year-old, who won the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek in November, is on the mend but is not fit enough to challenge for one of the few domestic titles he has yet to win.
"I am hugely disappointed to be missing out on the SA Open," said Schwartzel.
"Everybody knows how keen I am to win our national Open and, having come so close the last couple of years and following my good form at Leopard Creek, I was really looking forward to contending at Glendower.
"I look forward to being strong and healthy in time for the Joburg Open the following week, however."
The South African Open marks the resumption of the European Tour after the Christmas break and will get under way on Thursday at Glendower Golf Club in Gauteng.
The Joburg Open will be played at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club on January 14-17.
