Golf: Appendix leaves Coltart doubt for NZ

Andrew Coltart, a former Australian PGA and Australasian Tour Order of Merit champion, is likely to withdraw from next month's New Zealand Open tournament after falling ill during the Singapore Masters yesterday.

He is expected to return home to Britain after having an appendix removed.

Coltart was in severe pain and was rushed to hospital and is expected to remain there for the next few days.

The 34-year old had entered both next week's Heineken Classic and the NZ Open - a co-sanctioned Australasian and European Tour event.

However, fellow Scot Paul Lawrie has indicated to New Zealand officials that he is likely to contest the NZ Open.

Lawrie shot a one-under-par 71 on the third day of the Singapore event today while Nick Doughtery (11 under par) led Thomas Bjorn and Colin Montgomerie (10 under) late last night with 11 holes completed .

Lawrie, the 1999 British Open winner, blitzed his way through the opening nine holes on the Laguna National course with five birdies before stalling over the inward half.

"I am down to compete in both the Heineken Classic and the New Zealand Open but I will make my decision next week," Lawrie said yesterday.

"I haven't played a lot of golf in recent months and the goal over these three weeks was to try and compete in one of them.

"My world ranking is way down at the moment so that's something I also need to work on ."

- NZPA