San Francis-KO for Goosen

Two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen has withdrawn from the WGC-American Express Championship in San Francisco because of a groin injury.

He becomes the second player from the world’s top five to miss the event, with fellow South African and world number three Ernie Els having been ruled out from all golf after knee surgery in August.

Goosen’s absence could have a significant impact on his bid to win the European Tour’s Order of Merit for a third time, having claimed back-to-back titles in 2001-2.

The South African is currently third in the list, £93,000 (€137,000) behind leader Michael Campbell with Colin Montgomerie second.

Goosen, the world number five, has been carrying the injury for some time and did not play last week but has been unable to shake off the problem.

He was not scheduled to play in next week’s Michelin Championship in Las Vegas but is hoping to be fit for the Funai Classic at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida beginning on October 17.