Three-time major winner Ernie Els has replaced Phil Mickelson for the PGA Grand Slam in Bermuda next month.

Mickelson, who won the Masters in April, was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and has decided to take a break from golf after the Ryder Cup in two weeks' time.

Els, who won the Grand Slam in 1997 in Hawaii, will join Irishman Graeme McDowell, fellow South African Louis Oosthuizen and Germany's Martin Kaymer in the three-day event which is due to take place on October 18-20.

It will be the first time that an American hasn't played in the tournament.

"We're delighted," said Andrew Brooks, the Director of Golf at Port Royal Golf Course where the tournament will be held. "He's one of the great players to watch. From a spectator's point of view it's going to be great for them to get up close and personal with one of the best in the business.

"He's going to be a good draw for Bermuda, his ability, his rhythm, he'll be a pleasure to watch, and we're very glad to see that he's going to be coming."

Els' attendance may also have wider implications for the Grand Slam and the future of the tournament on the Island. With the current contract in its final year, Premier Ewart Brown had suggested that the continuation of the deal rested on the PGA's ability to provide the Island with a 'marquee name' for the event.

And while Mickelson would have been that name in this year's crop of major winners, Els is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game.

He has won 66 career titles, including three major wins, the US Open twice, and The Open Championship, two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Matchplay titles.

The rest of the field are no slouches either. McDowell and Kaymer will represent Europe at the Ryder Cup in Wales and both have had their best seasons to date.

PGA Championship winner Kaymer has won three times this season on the European Tour and is currently top of the Race to Dubai order or merit. He is also only the second German ever to have won a major championship.

McDowell is second behind Kaymer in those rankings, having won twice this season including his US Open win. And he also won the Celtic Manor Resort Open, the same course where the Ryder Cup will be played next month.

Oosthuizen, meanwhile, who is a product of the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation, won the Open Championship after leading for the majority of the tournament. And while not currently a family name like his mentor Els, he is being tipped to become so in years to come.

n Three-day tickets for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the Grand Slam will be available for $50. Daily tickets for individual attendance will be available for $20 on Monday for the Champions Clinic and Pro-Am and $20 each day for the Tuesday and Wednesday competition days.

In an effort to encourage more youngsters to become involved in the game, juniors aged 17 and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by a ticket-bearing adult.

Tickets for the event can be purchased, via telephone by dialing 1-800-PGA-GOLF (800-742-4653), or 561-624-7601, or by visiting www.pgagrandslamofgolf.com.