Els: Taking a break before the Masters
Ernie Els' Masters preparations have been hit after he withdrew from the Houston Open due to a virus.
The South African's decision means he will have a break before playing in the Masters at Augusta.
He also pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational recently citing fatigue.
"I am very disappointed to have been forced to make this decision because I was really looking forward to playing this week," Els said in a statement.
"The Shell Houston Open was going to be an important part of my buildup toward the Masters, but I have been advised that it would not be in my best interests to play."
Els said it was a similar virus to the one that caused him to arrive late at the CA Championship last week in Florida.
The world number three failed to break par in all four rounds of that tournament and finished at the bottom of the pack.
