- Associated Press - Sunday, December 19, 2010

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA (AP) - Heavy rain has forced organizers at the South African Open to take a hole out of play for the marathon final day of the European Tour event.

A downpour early Sunday left the green on the par-3 fourth waterlogged and only 17 holes will be used in the final two rounds at Durban Country Club, reducing the course to a par-69.

Four-time winner Ernie Els took a two-shot lead over Retief Goosen going into the final day.

Rain had already delayed the 100th edition of the event.

The European Tour and South Africa’s co-sanctioning Sunshine Tour said the decision was not unprecedented, pointing to two occasions at the Dutch Open in the late 1960s when anti-apartheid protesters had dug up a green and the event was played over 17 holes.

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