Retief Goosen and Jim Furyk, who have combined to win three U.S. Open Championships, will complete the premier foursome of major champions that will compete in the 26th PGA Grand Slam of Golf, at Bermuda’s Mid Ocean Club

South African Goosen, winner of the 2001 and 2004 U.S. Opens, will be making his third appearance in the season-ending showcase event, while Furyk, the 2003 U.S. Open Champion, is making his third consecutive Grand Slam appearance and fourth overall. Furyk won the 2003 PGA Grand Slam of Golf title, and was runner-up in 2006.

They will be joined by Masters Champion Trevor Immelman and Padraig Harrington, winner of the British Open and PGA Championship.

Goosen finished second in the 2008 Major Champions Points List behind Phil Mickelson, and Furyk was third. It has been expected that Mickelson would appear at the event, but he could not compete in the Grand Slam, in October, due to a scheduling conflict.

The alternate berths may be filled only by past major champions competing in the current year’s major championships.

Goosen replaces reigning U.S. Open Champion Tiger Woods, who was sidelined for the remainder of the year following knee surgery. Furyk takes the spot that opened when Harrington captured two major championships.

Furyk finished third a year ago when the PGA Grand Slam of Golf made its debut at Mid Ocean Club, the first venue outside the U.S. to host the event.

* See The Royal Gazette's sport section tommorrow for full story and reaction.