South African interest in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic was dented after news of Louis Oosthuizen’s withdrawal shortly before his first-round tee time.
Oosthuizen was due to start as the third-highest ranked player in the field and coming off the back a solid week in Abu Dhabi, was expected to contend.
In fact, Oosthuizen had finished inside the top 10 in all three European Tour starts, and was backed by many as the ‘form horse’ at the magnificent Majilis Course at Emirates Golf Club.
Unfortunately for the SA Open champion, a neck injury – something that has plagued him in recent years – forced him to sit out the event, with Sebastian Soderberg (Sweden) filling in alongside Ryder Cup winners Henrik Stenson and Thorbjorn Olesen.
