Jim Furyk is the man tasked to fill the gigantic void left by Tiger Woods who confirmed he will not headlining Bermuda's first-ever PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

The world number one's shock decision not to compete marks the first time in his career he has pulled out of the showpiece tournament, to be staged at Mid-Ocean Club next month.

Woods yesterday informed the PGA of America he will not compete the remainder of the year, paving the way for Furyk to join Zach Johnson, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington as the elite foursome.

"It's been a long year. And, given some new, personal obligations, it is very important that I take some extended time off and spend it with my family," said Woods, whose first child Sam Alexis Woods was born less than 24 hours after he finished second at the US Open in June.

All three of golf's other champions this year are not exactly stars or household names. And although Furyk is a former world number two, he is unable to command the same box-office draw as Woods, who qualified by winning the 89th PGA Championship last month.

He is no stranger to Bermuda though, having competed in the Gillette Tour Challenge back in the 1990s against players such as Phil Mickelson for the $2 million prize money.

President of Bermuda Golf Association Bob Legere described the announcement as a "real blow" for Bermuda, but insisted he was still looking forward to the tournament.

"It's a real blow as Tiger Woods transcends the sport and attracts a non-golf playing audience," he said.

"His absence creates a void that can't be filled by any golfer I'm afraid, but I'm still excited about the event." ; "Jim Furyk doesn't have the same glamour as Tiger, but he is an exceptional player. He has a very unorthodox, ugly swing but he makes it work for him. I still think he is a draw.

"I feel the PGA is trying to extend the golf calendar so they continue making money, which puts pressure on top guys to keep playing. The Grand Slam is an example of one of those events. I suppose there comes a point when guys like Tiger have to make a stand and take a rest.

Padraig Harrington won his place at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf following his triumph in The Open Championship at Carnoustie in July. Angel Cabrera became the second first-time qualifier into the Grand Slam in June, joining fellow first-time qualifier Masters champion Zach Johnson by winning his first major championship at the 2007 US Open. The PGA Grand Slam of Golf is a 36-hole event televised by TNT, which will be broadcast to a worldwide audience of 89 million US homes and an international audience of more than 100 countries in a prime-time telecast.

This year's major champions will compete for a new purse of $1.35 million, with the winner receiving a record $600,000, second place $300,000, third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000.