Woods pulls out of Grand Slam, Furyk is replacement

MIAMI, Sep 13 (Reuters) Title-holder Tiger Woods has withdrawn from next month's PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda where he will be replaced by world number three Jim Furyk.

Woods, who won last year's title in Hawaii by two shots from fellow American Furyk, has decided to take time off after the Sept. 27-30 Presidents Cup in Canada.

''It's been a long year,'' world number one Woods said in a statement released by tournament organisers the PGA of America yesterday.

''And given some new personal obligations, it is very important that I take some extended time off and spend it with my family.'' Woods, who became a father for the first time in June, has won six titles in 15 starts on the 2007 PGA Tour.

He is red-hot favourite at this week's Tour Championship in Atlanta where he is playing his fifth event in a seven-week run.

''While we are disappointed that the world's number one player will not be able to join us this year in Bermuda, we certainly understand and respect his decision to be with his family,'' PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb said.

The end-of-season PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together the winners of the year's four majors, will be hosted by The Mid Ocean Club in Tucker's Town, Bermuda from Oct. 16 to 17.

The four-man field comprises Furyk, Masters champion Zach Johnson, US Open winner Angel Cabrera of Argentina and Irishman Padraig Harrington, the British Open champion.

REUTERS BJR VC1055