Els out of Order of Merit chase

Ernie Els has ruled himself out of the race to win the European Order of Merit, saying he will take it easy for the rest of the season.

The South African celebrates his 33rd birthday today and has the two things he most wanted this year - a first Open title and a second healthy child.

Because he is so happy Els, who became a father again 11 days ago, is content enough not to play another tournament in Europe this season after this weekend's Cisco World Match Play Championship at Wentworth.

After 41 of the 44 events that make up the Order of Merit race Els has just over €2.25m and is right behind his compatriot Retief Goosen.

But now, with the Match Play not counting because of its 12-man field, the battle to be number one looks to be between Goosen and Padraig Harrington.

Els hopes people understand the reasons behind his decision.

"A couple of players spoke to me and wanted me to play the Volvo Masters (at Valderrama, November 7-10), but I decided not to," said Els.

"I thought about it, but my heart was never in it. I've had a good year and I need a break.

"When I did my US Tour schedule it was never in my head that I would have a chance to win the European Order of Merit. I have some other commitments coming up in America and it's important to my career that I do those.

"My goal this year was to win another major and I've done that. Now my family has been enhanced and I feel there are more important things."

He will be seen again only at the Tour Championship in America in two weeks' time, then the Million Dollar Challenge in South Africa a month later.

That means he is giving two other big events a miss as well - the Grand Slam in Hawaii which is normally restricted to the season's four major winners and the World Cup in Mexico in December.