Els and Mickelson drop out

ERNIE ELS is out of this week’s Players Championship in Florida, thus robbing the event of both the world number two and number three.

Els' withdrawal because of trouble with the wrist he hurt hitting a punchbag in the garage of his Wentworth home 11 days ago follows that of Phil Mickelson, who has chosen to stay home with his wife and new baby son.

It makes Tiger Woods, winner of three of his first four tournaments this season, an even stronger favourite for golf's unofficial fifth Major.