Wednesday 5 October 2016 19:23, UK
Justin Rose will miss next week's British Masters and the Race to Dubai Final Series after announcing he is taking an extended break from competitive golf.
Rose will be sidelined for the next eight weeks to relax following an "intense summer schedule" which culminated in last week's Ryder Cup, and he admitted he had still not fully recovered from the back injury he suffered earlier this year.
The Olympic champion was out of action for a month after sustaining a herniated disc in his back during the Players Championship in May, although he managed to compete in the following month's US Open at Oakmont before undertaking a busy tournament schedule.
The US Open was the first of three major championships in a seven-week spell, and he then collected an Olympic gold medal in Rio before returning to the PGA Tour in time for the FedExCup Play-Offs.
Rose was struggling for form at Hazeltine last week as Europe lost their grip on the Ryder Cup, and the Englishman has now decided to take time off rather than put further strain on his body.
He released a statement which read: "Following an intense summer schedule and discussion with my team, I have decided to take the next eight weeks off for rest and recovery.
"As many of you know, during the Players Championship I experienced discomfort in my back from a disc herniation and was sidelined for the following month. I worked hard to be able to return for the US Open, but my ongoing tournament schedule combined with heavy preparation for the Olympics did not allow for full and proper recovery.
"At this point in my career, it is important to invest in my body, and this time off is crucial for me to return to peak performance.
"The remainder of the year has such a great run of tournaments, and I am very disappointed to have to miss out on some of them. The importance of the European Tour's Final Series and my relationship with the British Masters make those tournaments particularly tough to miss.
"I want to send my appreciation to my sponsors and the fans for being understanding of my need for time off, and I thank them for their unwavering support."
