Ernie Els participates in Farmers Insurance Open without caddie Ricci Roberts – Golf News
South African veteran golfer, Ernie Els, entered the field of the Farmers Insurance Open at the Torrey Pines Golf Course without his long-time caddie, Ricci Roberts. Ricci broke his ankle at the pro-am prize presentation of a charity tournament in South
Africa.
Roberts featured in the event as an amateur to raise funds for the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation last week.
He was called up on the stage to speak some words and talk about his experience in the tournament.
Roberts gave a small speech at end of the event and just as he was trying to descend from the stage, he missed the first step and fell over.
The unexpected incident caused a severe injury to his ankle, which sidelined him for the next two months, at least.
His doctor has advised him complete rest until his injury is completely recovered. If he tries to stand on his feet, it can result in severe consequences which can lead to even more serious injuries to his ankle.
Therefore, Els decided to play the rest of the first quarter of the 2012 season without his friend who spent several years carrying his bag on his shoulder.
He was talking to the media prior to the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open and told the whole story that happened in the presentation ceremony.
“I called Ricci up on stage and he did a little speech but when he walked off he just kind of missed his first step and he went down,” he said.
“It was so d**n dark and this stage was about this high,” the South African continued, pointing six feet above the air. "The poor guy broke his ankle so he's out for a while”.
“So I've got Dan (Quinn) to caddie for me instead but they (Quinn and Roberts) were going to share (the bag) in any case. I think Ricci's going to be back with me probably by the middle of March,” he added.
Els will now play with Dan Quinn, a former National Hockey League player, as his caddie until Roberts gets back to the field. Quinn joined Els in 2010 on his invitation to be a part of his team.
Tags: