Veteran PGA Tour pro John Cook has replaced Michael Jordan as an assistant to US captain Fred Couples for the 2011 Presidents Cup.
Retired basketball superstar Jordan has chosen not to attend the competition, to be held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club between November 14 and 20, due to his commitments as majority owner of NBA franchise the Charlotte Bobcats.
Cook, 54, won 11 times on the US PGA Tour and has recorded eight victories on the Champions Tour since joining the senior circuit in 2007.
He is set to take part in the Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney during the week immediately prior to the Presidents Cup.
Cook joins Jay Haas as one of two Captain's Assistants selected by Couples for the biennial competition.
"John has been a friend of mine since we broke in together on the PGA TOUR in the early 1980s," Couples said.
"Having achieved success at the highest levels in the golf world, I value his opinion greatly."
"Both John and Jay will provide tremendous support for myself and the United States Team in the upcoming matches at Royal Melbourne."
Cook's best season on the PGA Tour came in 1992, when he won three times, while finishing second at the British Open and tied second at the PGA Championship.
Three of his eight Champions Tour victories have come in 2011.
"I'm thrilled that Freddie has asked me to serve as a Captain's Assistant for the United States Presidents Cup Team," Cook said.
"Jay has told me on several occasions that his 2009 Presidents Cup experience was one of his career highlights, and that meant a lot to me in making my decision. I'm looking forward to the challenge of helping the team retain the Cup."
Jordan, 48, served as an honorary Captain's Assistant to Couples during the United States' Presidents Cup victory at TPC Harding Park in 2009.
"After careful consideration, it is with regret that I have decided to cancel my trip to Australia later this month for The Presidents Cup," Jordan said.
"With the NBA labor situation unsettled, as the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, I feel it is necessary that I remain in the country."
"It was an honour to have been chosen by Fred Couples to serve as a Captain's Assistant. I wish Fred and the United States Team the best of luck."