Dustin Johnson withdraws from Hero World Challenge field, still plans to play Presidents Cup

Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from next week’s Hero World Challenge but still plans on competing in this year’s Presidents Cup following knee surgery

Dustin Johnson has decided to skip this year’s Hero World Challenge as he continues his recovery from knee surgery but still plans to compete for the U.S. Team at the Presidents Cup in two weeks time. 

Johnson, who underwent arthroscopic surgery in September to repair cartilage damage in his left knee following his last place finish at the Tour Championship, said he came to the decision ‘after a lot of careful thought and consultation’. 

The World No.4 took to twitter to share the news, saying that he felt he needed ‘another week of physical therapy and practice’ to be able to compete in Australia. 

“After a lot of careful thought and consultation, I have decided that it is in my best interest if I withdraw from next week’s Hero World Challenge,” Johnson wrote.

“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.

“I have informed Captain Woods of my decision, which he fully supports and understands.”

DJ’s announcement comes after changes to both teams through injury already in the past couple of weeks: World No.1 Brooks Koepka already pulled out of the Presidents Cup team after reinjuring his left knee at the CJ Cup and was replaced by Rickie Fowler, while Jason Day withdrew from the International team with a back injury and has been replaced by Byeong Hun An. 

Johnson will be replaced by Chez Reavie in the Hero World Challenge field next week.