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Back trouble forces Rose to withdraw from Verizon Heritage

18/04/2008

Justin Rose has pulled out of the Verizon Heritage PGA Tour event in Harbour Town after the second round after complaining of a back injury.

The Englishman, who shot a disappointing four-over-par 76 in his first round, looked to be troubled by the injury later in the day as he struggled on the inward nine.

A double-bogey on the eighth hole didn't look to have damaged his round too badly after he had made birdie at the second.

But four more bogeys in the space of six holes on the back nine dropped him back into a tie for 112th in the overall standings.

Before the start of play on day two, Rose informed the organisers that he would be unable to continue.

The news is a blow for the 27-year-old, who was looking to bounce back from the disappointment of falling out of contention at the US Masters for the third consecutive year last week.

In 2006, 2007 and 2008, Rose held at least a share of top spot at Augusta after the opening round but every year dropped too far behind the leaders to mount a noticeable challenge for the green jacket on the final day.

Rose had a similar back problem last spring, which forced him to take six weeks off from the tour.

But he returned in time to claim fifth place at the Masters to kick-start his season, which ended with him winning the European Tour Order of Merit title.