By Evin Priest

WORLD No.1 Jason Day has withdrawn from his scheduled Australian summer of golf events, citing a chronic back injury as the reason he can’t return to play at the 2016 Emirates Australian Open and World Cup of Golf.

The 28-year-old has battled back injuries recently, withdrawing mid-round from the BMW and Tour Championship – the third and fourth events of the $10 million FedEx Cup playoffs last month.

Day was due to contest his national open at Royal Sydney from November 17-20 and to partner Adam Scott representing team Australia at the World Cup of Golf at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath the following week.

The 2015 US PGA Championship winner has not played in Australia since 2013, when he tied for sixth behind Rory McIlroy at the Australian Open. He also won the individual category of the World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne that year, in addition to taking out the event’s team format wit compatriot Scott.

Day, a 10-time US PGA Tour winner, released a statement detailing doctor’s advice to take the New Year period as an opportunity to rehabilitate his lower back injury.

“I regret that I will be unable to come home to Australia this year. I was looking forward to playing in the Australian Open and teaming up with Adam Scott on one of my favorite courses Kingston Heath the following week at the World Cup in Melbourne,” Day said in a statement.

“My plan is to return home to Australia in 2017. My best wishes to all in Sydney at the Open and to Adam and Team Australia in Melbourne at the World Cup. I appreciate the understanding and patience of my Australian fans.”

In addition, Day was forced to withdraw from a charity match planned against former world No.1 Rory McIlroy to be played in the Philippines on November 29. The “Battle for a Cause” was set to raise significant funds in his mother’s homeland.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Jason from the Australian team for this event. I know many Australians were eager to see him return as World No. 1 and defend his World Cup title with Adam,” said Executive Director Matt Kamienski. “But Jason’s long-term health should always remain the priority. With some rest in the coming months, we hope that Jason will be back on the course at 100 percent and that we will see him in Australia in 2017. With Adam now leading the way, we fully expect the Australian team to remain one of the favourites in this year’s event, no matter what player he selects to go against what will remain a stellar and world-class field in one of the best events on golf’s calendar.”