Els, too, felt the loss of Woods from upcoming majors.
"Whoever is going to win next week is going to have to answer questions like 'Do you think you would have won if Tiger were here?' But the game of golf will live on after Tiger Woods, although we will miss him."
Els said his family's welfare remains of primary importance, particularly since his son Ben was diagnosed with autism this year.
"He will never be able to play golf or tennis or rugby. But after a while, you cope," Els said. "I don't think it has taken my focus away from trying to reach my goals."
Montgomerie faded to 24th in the European Open last week in the defense of the title he won at The K Club a year earlier. Down to 80th in the world, he needs a good two weeks, especially after missing the halfway cut in the Scottish and British Opens last year.
Luke Donald has withdrawn with a wrist injury, and David Frost pulled out to rest after earning a spot at the British Open at the European Open on Sunday.
