Phil Mickelson will not be coming to Bermuda to play in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in October.

The World number two has turned down an invitation to take part in the event at Mid Ocean Club because it clashes with other commitments.

That means that for the second year in a row, Jim Furyk will step in to the gap left by Mickelson and Tiger Woods, who's season was ended by a knee injury after he won the US Open.

Furyk will be joined at the tournament by double-major winner Padraig Harrington, Masters champion Trevor Immelman, and South African Retief Goosen.

And despite the abscence of the world's two best golfers, officials are expecting an exciting few days of golf.

"We anticipate another exciting PGA Grand Slam of Golf based on the high level of competitiveness between this year's foursome," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb.

"Padraig Harrington and Jim Furyk have the advantage of course knowledge at Mid Ocean Club and we know that the island of Bermuda will turn out in force once again to support these major champions competing in one of the most beautiful places in the world."

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.

Only past major champions competing in the current year's major championships may fill the alternate berths.

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.

n Michael Sims bid to climb up theTarheel Tour E Golf points race standings will have to wait another four weeks as the River Run Classic in Davidson, North Carolina was cancelled without a ball being hit due to heavy rain.

The announcement came from organisers after the first round was called off on Tuesday, and no apparent end to the torrential down pours in sight on the second day.

This decision leaves Sims tied for 11th after one event in the points race and 13th on money list, accumulating $34, 842.50 in the nine events he has entered thus far.

Next up for the Bermudian is the 7,227 yard Par-72 Charlotte National Open, which starts September 24.