Woods replaces injured Koepka with Fowler in US Presidents Cup side
Rickie Fowler steps in to replace Brooks Koepka in Tiger Woods' US Presidents Cup side...
Tiger Woods has chosen Rickie Fowler to replace an injured Brooks Koepka in his United States Presidents Cup side against the Internationals this December.
Koepka, who qualified as the No.1-ranked player in Woods side, revealed today how he has been forced to withdraw from the biennial clash against the Internationals from December 12 to 15 in a bid to focus his efforts on a full recovery on his injured knee.
"Today, I am announcing my withdrawal from the US Presidents Cup Team because of my knee injury," said World No.1 Koepka.
"I notified captain Tiger Woods that despite constant medical care and rehab, I am not able to play golf at this time. I consider it to be a high honor to be part of the 2019 team and I regret not being able to compete.
"Since my injury in Korea, I have been in constant contact with Tiger and assured him that I was making every effort to be 100 percent in time for the Presidents Cup in Australia. However, I need more time to heal.
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"I’m sorry I won’t be able to represent the Red, White and Blue this time around and I wish my teammates nothing but the best as they work to retain the Presidents Cup for the USA."
Koepka's swing coach Claude Harmon revealed to GolfMagic recently of his concerns about his knee injury, claiming he would be taking time out of the game to get himself fully recovered ahead of 2020 on the PGA Tour.
December’s event would have been Koepka’s second Presidents Cup appearance after making his debut in 2017 and compiling a 2-2-0 record.
US Presidents Cup playing captain Woods said: "I told him [Koepka] to get well soon, and that we’re sorry he won’t be with us in Australia. He would clearly be an asset both on the course and in the team room."
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Fowler, who spoke exclusively to GolfMagic during a recent COBRA SPEEDZONE launch in the United States, will now make his third appearance in the Presidents Cup.
"I spoke to Rickie and he has agreed to join the US Team," said Woods.
"Rickie has played on a couple Presidents Cup teams, was someone seriously considered for a pick and is well respected and liked by his teammates. I know he’s going to do a great job for us. We’re all excited about this year’s event. The course is outstanding, the fans will be loud and we’re playing against great competitors. We’re ready to go."
Fowler said: "When I heard Brooks wasn’t going to be ready to play, I was bummed for him and the team. Then I got a call from both Brooks and Tiger. I was humbled and excited to be given the chance.
"These team events have been some of the most memorable weeks of my career. To be picked by Tiger to compete with him and the rest of the team is very special.
"It is impossible to replace the world’s No. 1, but I can assure my teammates and American golf fans that I will be prepared and ready to do my part to bring home the Presidents Cup."
