England is to be represented at this month’s World Cup of Golf by Ryder Cup players Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan.
The team had originally been announced last month as Danny Willett and Lee Westwood, but following Willett’s decision to withdraw from the event, Wood, the next highest-ranked player who was wiling to play – Justin Rose declined – was then able to select his preferred partner, rejecting Westwood in favour of Sullivan.
Danny Willett says he has withdrawn from the World Cup in order to rest his strained back
Willett, who has suffered a poor run of form since winning the Masters in April, cited a back injury as his reasons for pulling out of the tournament, which takes place at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Australia from November 24-27, although he is taking part in next week’s DP World Championship in Dubai, where he still has a chance of winning the Race to Dubai.
The 29-year-old issued a statement which read: “I was really looking forward to playing the World Cup with Lee Westwood, but considering everything, including the amount of travel involved and extra strain, I’ve decided that it was not in my best interests.”
Willett’s absence opens the door for Wood to play in the event for the second time, while Sullivan will be making his debut. Both players boast three career wins on the European Tour, and made their Ryder Cup debuts at Hazeltine in September. They also represented Europe at the start of the year in the EurAsia Cup.
In addition to the changes for England, Jamie Donaldson has withdrawn from the Wales team, with Bradley Dredge selecting Stuart Manley as his new playing partner. Of the remaining home nations, Ireland will be represented by Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry, while Scotland’s team comprises Russell Knox and Duncan Stewart. Stewart is currently ranked 315th in the world and currently plays on the Challenge Tour.
Host nation Australia, which won the title in 2013 at Royal Melbourne, is being represented by Adam Scott and Mark Leishman, while America’s team features Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker.
For a full list of the 28 two-man teams, visit, click here.
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