Koepka replaced by Fowler at Presidents Cup due to knee injury

Brooks Koepka will not participate in the 2019 Presidents Cup in Australia, as the top-ranked golfer in the world has pulled out due to a knee injury, the PGA Tour announced Wednesday.

U.S. captain Tiger Woods acted quickly in naming Rickie Fowler as Koepka's replacement for the team event.

Koepka also withdrew from the CJ Cup in October after 36 holes. The 29-year-slipped on wet concrete, aggravating a previous injury to his left knee. Koepka had stem cell treatment on that knee during the offseason.

Even without Koepka, Team USA features six of the top 11 players in the world golf rankings.

The tournament begins play on Dec. 12 at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.