Updated

Two-time defending champion Geoff Ogilvy has withdrawn from the season-opening Tournament of Champions because of stitches in his right index finger.

Ogilvy was trying to join Stuart Appleby and Gene Littler as the only players to win the tournament three straight years.

The Australian sliced his finger when it grazed a piece of coral reef in the ocean Monday afternoon. Ogilvy had stitches and tried to rest Wednesday to let it heal, but he says he can't put pressure on it or make a full swing properly.

He is the first defending champion not to play the Tournament of Champions since Jerry Barber in 1961.