ATLANTA -- Ernie Els will skip the Nedbank Challenge in his homeland in December for the first time since his debut in 1992.

The South African, a well-known supporter of events around the world, has decided the big-money Silly Season event is a trip too far this year.

"This was something I have given a great deal of thought to, but reluctantly decided that it was something I needed to do," he said. "Having moved my base to America this year and never previously having had a break in December, I decided I would spent more time with my family settling into our new home.

"I would like to wish everybody connected to it every success and hopefully I will get the chance to return in the future," he added. The 2008 edition of the Nedbank Challenge will pay $4.385 million, with the winner pocketing $1.2 million. The 12-man field will play the Gary Player Course at the Sun City Resort in South Africa on Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Els has won the event three times, in 1999, 2000 and 2002. The only other players to boast three Nedbank victories are Nick Price and David Frost. Jim Furyk, Sergio Garcia, Bernhard Langer and Seve Ballesteros have won it twice.

Els and his wife Liezl have moved to Florida so that their autistic son Ben can receive the best possible treatment.

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