Louis Oosthuizen - Out of Andalucian Open

Defending champion and reigning British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen is a surprise withdrawal from this week’s Andalucian Open in Spain.

The South African advised tournament officials he is suffering an eye infection.

Oosthuizen’s illness seems to be a reoccurence of the problem he experienced recently while contesting the WGC – Cadillac Championship.

Oosthuizen’s withdrawal robs the event of one of its star players with his picture prominent on tournament posters alongside that of host Miguel Angel Jimenez.

“It’s disappointing because not only were we looking forward to seeing Louis return to defend but it was our chance to also congratulate him on then going on to win the British Open,” said an official.

Oosthuizen withdrawal reduces the number of Major Champions teeing-up Thursday on the Parador Malaga course to three – Jose Maria Olazabal, Paul Lawrie and Michael Campbell.

Oosthuizen’s next event is the April 7th starting U.S. Masters.

Also withdrawing from the Spanish event is in-form Dane Thomas Bjorn.

Bjorn, winner of the recent Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, has returned home due to an illness in his family.