Ernie Els Leads Charles Schwab Cup Championship with 2-Shot Advantage

Steve Stricker Withdraws Due to Family Emergency; Els Eyes $1 Million Prize for Second Place in Schwab Cup Points Race

Ernie Els has taken a two-shot lead at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship with a score of 63, opening with four birdies in the first five holes.
Steve Stricker, who won the Cup even before the postseason began, had to withdraw due to his father's hospitalization; however, he is still assured a $1 million bonus.
Els can earn over $1 million with a victory, as the tournament winner's prize is $528,000 and second place in the Schwab Cup is worth $500,000.
Stephen Ames, Harrison Frazar, and Thongchai Jaidee follow Els closely with scores of 65, while Berhard Langer, who ranks 2nd in the points list, scored a 68.
Apart from the championship, the players are also fighting for the second place in the Schwab Cup points race.