July 22, 2012 - 4:10 PM
Ernie Els has given organizers for the RBC Canadian Open a bit of a scare.
Shortly after winning the British Open on Sunday, Els said in his victory speech that he planned to visit his family in London.
"I'm going to try and come and see you this evening. I'm supposed to go to Canada but I think I'm going to blow that thing off," Els said to laughter.
The South African quickly added he would try to get to Canada on Tuesday.
Els' comment forced Canadian Open staff into a scramble to confirm he was just kidding.
Dan Pino, a spokesman for the tournament, said they were waiting to hear back from Els' representatives but still expected him to compete. Golf Canada charters a flight for players at the British Open that leaves shortly after play ends.
Pino added it was hard watching the speech to know if Els was serious or not.
"Oh yeah. You're watching like everyone else," said Pino. "There's so much stuff happening for a champion. Who knows what's on their mind, right?"
The US$5.2 million Canadian Open starts Thursday at Hamilton Golf and Country Club and finishes Sunday.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012