Johnson takes on McIlroy

Charity match at brand new Pradera Verde course

MANILA, Philippines - World No. 2 Dustin Johnson and No. 3 Rory McIlroy bring their class act here next month when they slug it out in an 18-hole exhibition match at the newly-built Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga.

Johnson, the reigning US Open champion and member of the US squad that regained the Ryder Cup recently, has agreed to take over Jason Day’s spot in the charity event billed as “Dustin vs Rory: Battle for a Cause” on Nov. 29 after the Fil-Australian world No. 1 begged off to recover from a back injury.

“I am very excited for this match and honored to be invited to play for charity. With Jason the hometown favorite in this match, I am happy to replace him,” said Johnson.

The 32-year-old Johnson recently earned his first PGA of America Player of the Year Award and the Vardon Trophy. The season-ending awards are presented by the PGA of America for excellence by a PGA TOUR professional.

Johnson collected 90 points this year, while Day finished with 74. Johnson and Day were each three-time winners this season.

McIlroy, who rallied and snatched the FedEx Cup title and the $10 million bonus with a victory at the Tour Championship, is looking forward to the match against Johnson.

“I’m sorry Jason can’t make it to the Philippines this time but delighted Dustin’s stepping in for a very worthy cause and what promises be a great head-to-head match,” said McIlroy.

“I’m glad Dustin accepted to take my place in the exhibition match. I’m also very happy that the event is pushing through for the Filipino golf fans,” said Day, who although can no longer make it this year, has assured the Philippines of a visit in 2017.

Dustin vs Rory is the biggest event in recent Philippine golf history since Tiger Woods, then the world No. 1 golfer, played 18 holes at Mimosa in Pampanga in Jan. 1998.

According to the event organizers, information on tickets, their prices and where they can be purchased, will be announced soon.