SEOUL, Korea: Ballantine’s Championship organisers have given assurances that this week’s event in South Korea will go ahead after two of its biggest stars withdrew over fears of conflict with North Korea.
America’s Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, and Dustin Johnson, the world number 19, pulled out over “perceived unrest on the Korean peninsula” following weeks of military tensions between Seoul and nuclear-armed Pyongyang.
“Ballantine’s is disappointed to announce that Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson have informed us they will no longer be attending the Ballantine’s Championship,” a European Tour statement said.
“They have reached this decision following perceived unrest on the Korean peninsula and can no longer assure their commitment to this year’s event.”
The withdrawal of the American Ryder Cup players deprives the $2.8m European Tour and Asian Tour event, starting on Thursday at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul, of two of its top players.afp
