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Dustin Johnson takes Jason Day's place in charity match against Rory McIlroy

October 31, 2016

Unfortunately, Jason Day's bad back will keep him out of several events this fall, including a scheduled charity match against Rory McIlroy. But if you have to replace the World No. 1, getting the World No. 2 is not a bad fallback plan.

Such is the case for the Nov. 29 exhibition in the Philippines, dubbed "Battle For A Cause." Instead of Rory vs. Jason, golf fans will get Rory vs. Dustin.

Dustin Johnson agreed to take Day's spot in the fundraising event, from which proceeds will mainly go toward typhoon relief efforts. Day's mom is from the Philippines and he had family members die in the devastating typhoon in the area in 2013. The match will take place at Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Pampanga.

To play in the event, Johnson has withdrawn from the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. That's the Tiger Woods-hosted event in which Woods claims he'll make his return to competitive golf.

McIlroy recently snatched the FedEx Cup and its $10 million bonus from Johnson when he won two of the final three events of the 2015-2016 season, including the Tour Championship. Johnson's three wins, including a first major championship, was enough to give him his first PGA Tour Player of the Year Award.

"It should be a lot of fun," Johnson of the match while at the HSBC Champions. "I like playing against Rory, and I've never been to the Philippines."

Sounds like a win-win.