Els Out After Knee Surgery

SOUTHPORT, England â€”  Ernie Els will withdraw from his tournament schedule after undergoing knee surgery, his management team said Friday.

The third-ranked South African, 35, had surgery on his left knee Thursday after sustaining an injury while on a sailing holiday last week, a spokesman for International Sports Management said.

There was no indication of how long the three-time major champion would be out, although it was believed he might not return until December.

That would mean he would not play in the PGA and NEC championships next month, as well as the Tour Championship.