Ernie splits with caddie

South African makes change on the bag ahead of Open bid

Last updated: 20th June 2008

Ernie splits with caddie

Els (R) and Fitzgerald

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Ernie Els has parted company with caddie JP Fitzgerald after 18 months together.

The South African finished in a tie for 14th at last week's US Open but has decided the time is right for a change as he set his sights on next month's Open Championship.

The world number three is many people's favourite for Royal Birkdale now that Tiger Woods has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

Els has an excellent Open record that includes one win and three seconds, while in the last two years he has finished third and fourth.

The 38-year-old is next in action at the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond on July 10-13, the week before his bid for a fourth major commences.

There has already been speculation that he could team back up with long-time caddie Ricci Roberts with whom he won not only at Muirfield in 2002, but also two US Opens.