Els injured his knee on a sailing holiday

The world number three had an operation on a torn cruciate ligament on Thursday and will have more surgery in two weeks' time.

Els, 35, was swimming with his children when the accident occurred last week.

"I'm going to have to take a break from golf on the recommendation of my medical advisers," the South African told his official website.

"Basically it's the only sensible course of action, so that I can be sure of the promptest recovery period.

"Obviously the timing is unfortunate. Although let's face it, there's no such thing as a good time to get injured. But what can you do? There's no point dwelling on your bad luck.

"All I'm doing is focusing on getting better as quickly as possible, so I'm out of action for not a day longer than I have to be."

These things happen but he was in bad form anyway From Mr A Have your say on Five Live

A spokesman for Els told BBC Sport he was targeting a return at the South African Open in January 2006.

George O'Grady, executive director of the European Tour said: "Everyone in the world of golf will share Ernie's disappointment at this news.

"I think I speak for everyone in wishing him a prompt and speedy recovery."

Els won three times this season but disappointed in the three majors and will miss the USPGA at Baltusrol, New Jersey, in two weeks' time.