World No. 1 Jason Day’s back injury rehabilitation has forced his withdrawal from the World Cup of Golf and the Emirates Australian Open in November.

Day was set to defend the World Cup with Adam Scott at Kingston Heath on Nov. 24-27 a week after playing in his home countries national Open in Sydney.

But after tearing a ligament in his back towards the end of the 2016 PGA TOUR season — forcing his withdrawal from the BMW Championship and the TOUR Championship — the 10-time TOUR winner has been advised to rest until 2017.

The prognosis for a successful return to playing is not at issue but the timing of the long trip to Australia in the midst of his rehabilitation and rest period was not recommended.

“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 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.”

It was to be his first return to his native Australia since 2013.

Day missed returning in 2014 with a similar back issue and in 2015 for the birth of his daughter Lucy.

In that time he has claimed his maiden Major at the 2015 PGA Championship and ascended to the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking.

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.

“I’m quite saddened about missing our trip to the Philippines. I was planning on taking my Mum back to her home in the Philippines to visit where we lost members of our family in the typhoon,” Day added.

“We are to raise much needed funds for these worthy causes brought on by this disaster and I look forward to being there in 2017 to help get this work done.”

Day’s place in the Australian team for the World Cup will now be given to the player of Adam Scott’s choice.