AMERICAN Dustin Johnson has been chosen to replace world no. 1 golfer Jason Day in his scheduled PH exhibition against Rory McIlroy on Nov. 29 at the Pradera Golf Course in Lubao, Pampanga
The event is now called “Dustin vs Rory: Battle for a Cause.”
Johnson, the current world No. 2, is the reigning US Open champion and was in the US contingent that won the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008.
“I am very excited for this match and honored to be invited to play for charity. With Jason the hometown favorite in this match, I am happy to replace him,” said the 32-year-old Johnson.
Johnson recently earned his first PGA of America Player of the Year Award and the Vardon Trophy. The season-ending awards are presented by the PGA of America for excellence by a PGA TOUR professional. Johnson, the reigning U.S. Open Champion, collected 90 points this year, while Day finished with 74. Johnson and Day were each three-time winners this season.
McIlroy, who is currently in No. 3, is looking forward to the match against Johnson.
“I’m sorry Jason can’t make it to the Philippines this time but delighted Dustin’s stepping in for a very worthy cause and what promises be a great head-to-head match,” said McIlroy.
“I’m glad Dustin accepted to take my place in the exhibition match. I’m also very happy that the event is pushing through for the Filipino golf fans,” said Day, who although can no longer make it this year, has assured the Philippines of a visit in 2017.
Dustin vs Rory is the biggest event in recent Philippine golf history since Tiger Woods, then the world’s No. 1 golfer, played 18 holes at Mimosa in Pampanga in January 1998.
