Defending co-champion Jason Day of Australia has withdrawn from next week's Franklin Templeton Shootout, and will be replaced by American Chris Kirk in the pairs event, organizers announced.
Day and American Cameron Tringale won the 12-team event last year at Tiburon Golf Club, then went on to capture his first major title this year at the PGA Championship.
Day's wife Ellie gave birth to their second child last month, and the Aussie will stay home with new daughter Lucy. He has not played since the Presidents Cup in South Korea in early October.
"Regrettably, I am withdrawing from the 2015 Franklin Templeton Shootout to stay in Ohio with my family and newborn daughter Lucy," Day said. "Our win in 2014 was the beginning of an incredible run for me and I hope I can return to compete in the event in the future."
The December 10-12 tournament will see Tringale and 41st-ranked Kirk tested by the duos of Harris English-Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson-Patrick Rodgers, Graeme McDowell-Gary Woodland, Daniel Berger-Charley Hoffman, Billy Horschel-Hunter Mahan, Sean O'Hair-Mike Weir, J.B. Holmes-Patrick Reed, Retief Goosen-Danny Lee, Kenny Perry-Steve Stricker, Charles Howell-Rory Sabbatini and Jason Dufner-Brandt Snedeker.
The Shootout again will feature a different format during each of the three competitive rounds: scramble (Thursday), modified alternate shot (Friday) and better ball (Saturday).
