Couples pulls out of Singapore Open

Former Masters champion Fred Couples has withdrawn from next week’s Singapore Open, organisers confirmed on Thursday.

Couples was due to play in the event, but has pulled out after doctors advised him not to travel due to a viral illness.

The Singapore Open, the richest event on the Asian Tour, will be played at Sentosa Golf Club from September 7-10 and will boast a field featuring Ernie Els and defending champion Adam Scott.

“We are very sorry that illness has prevented Freddy from making the trip to Singapore and wish him all the best for a speedy recovery,” said Graham Bell, chairman of the Singapore Open.

Couples’ withdrawal was not entirely unexpected after the illness forced him to pull out of the WGC event in Akron last weekend.

“We had feared that he might not be able to make the trip having been taken ill at the WGC last week,” Bell added.

“I hope that we may see him in future years as I know he was looking forward to playing in Singapore.

“Obviously it is a disappointment for the fans, but we still have an incredibly strong field which includes some of the biggest names in golf.”