Dustin Johnson WDs from Hero World Challenge, still plans to play Presidents Cup
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JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 11: Dustin Johnson of the United States walks on the seventh hole during the final round of The Northern Trust at Liberty National Golf Club on August 11, 2019 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from next week’s Hero World Challenge but still plans on competing in this year’s Presidents Cup.
Johnson underwent arthroscopic surgery in September to repair cartilage damage in his left knee. He has not played since finishing last in the TOUR Championship.
Johnson wrote on Twitter that he made the decision to withdraw after “a lot of careful thought and consultation.”
“While my recovery from knee surgery is complete, I feel another week of physical therapy and practice will best prepare me for the Presidents Cup,” Johnson added. “I have informed Captain Woods of my decision, which he fully supports and understands.”
Chez Reavie will replace Johnson in the Hero field. Reavie is coming off a career year that saw him finish eighth in the FedExCup. He won the Travelers Championship and finished third in the U.S. Open.
Two players have already withdrawn from the upcoming Presidents Cup because of injury. Brooks Koepka reinjured his knee in South Korea and was replaced by Rickie Fowler, while Jason Day had to be replaced by Byeong Hun An after suffering a back injury.
Johnson won this year’s World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship and was runner-up in both the Masters and PGA Championship, but he’s not had a top-10 since leaving Bethpage Black in May.
Reavie will be making his debut in the Hero, which begins Wednesday in Albany, Bahamas. The tournament concludes Saturday to give the U.S. Team time to travel to Australia for the Presidents Cup.