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Woods pulls out of Bermuda showdown

13/09/2007

World number one and defending champion Tiger Woods has pulled out of next month's PGA Grand Slam of Golf in order to spend more time with his young family.

The American was originally due to defend his crown at the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda on the weekend of October 15th/16th/17th in the four-man major-winning field.

But instead he will stay at home to be with his wife, Elin, and daughter Sam Alexis who was born in June.

"I am sorry that I will not be able to spend some time with my friends at the PGA of America and experience the beauty of Bermuda this year at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf," said Woods.

"It's been a long year. And, given some new, personal obligations, it is very important that I take some extended time off and spend it with my family."

Last year's runner-up to Woods, Jim Furyk, will take his countryman's place at the tournament as the overall points leader on the tour.

He joins the existing field of major winners from 2007 – US Open winner Angel Cabrera, Masters champion Zach Johnson and Open Championship winner Padraig Harrington.

PGA Tour president Brian Whitcomb said he was "disappointed" that Woods will be absent but added, "we certainly understand and respect his decision to be with his family".

"Tiger has a long and successful history with the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and as a seven-time winner of this event, we are confident that we will see his participation in the future," he added.

This year's edition is the 25th Grand Slam tournament and also marks the first time the event has been held outside the United States.