Ogilvy forced to withdraw

Defending champion Geoff Ogilvy was forced to withdraw from the Tournament of Champions due to a finger injury.

Defending champion forced out of Tournament of Champions event

Defending champion Geoff Ogilvy was forced to withdraw from the Hyundai Tournament of Champions just an hour before the start of Thursday's first round due to a finger injury. The Australian has won the event for the past two years, and was hoping to be able to go for a record-equalling third consecutive victory at the Kapalua Resort. However, the 33-year-old suffered a freak finger injury that has forced him to pull out of the PGA Tour's season-opener at the last minute. Ogilvy slipped as he emerged from the sea on the island of Maui and has had to have 12 stitches to his right index finger. "I tripped in shallow water and grazed my finger on some reef," Ogilvy said in statement. "The cut required 12 stitches and it causes discomfort to bend or place any pressure on it. "I am disappointed to have to withdraw as the defending champion. Further, I have been very pleased with my recent form and was very much looking forward to playing one of my favourite events." A field of 33 players will now take part in the $5.6 million event, which only includes those who have won tournaments on the PGA Tour in the previous year. Ogilvy is the first defending champion not to play in the Tournament of Champions since Jerry Barber in 1961.