American pair pull out of South Korean event

American Ryder Cup golfers Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson have pulled out of the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea this week because of the political tension in the region.

“They have reached this decision following perceived unrest on the Korean peninsula,” the sponsors of the European Tour event said in a statement yesterday.

There has been hostility in the region for weeks because of United Nations sanctions 
imposed on North Korea for a nuclear test.

On Sunday, a South Korean news agency reported that the North had moved short-range missile launchers to its east coast, apparently indicating it was pushing ahead with preparations for a test launch.

World No  7 Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa will be the highest-ranked player at the Ballantine’s event in Seoul starting on Thursday.

Former US PGA champion Yang Yong-eun of South Korea, Paul Lawrie and former European Ryder Cup player Paul Casey will also be chasing victory in the tournament which carries a prize fund of e2.2 million.