Golf-Rose pulls out of Memorial Tournament

VIRGINIA WATER, England, May 27 (Reuters) Justin Rose, just back from a five-week absence caused by a back strain, is planning another break from tournament golf.

''Under the advice given to me by my fitness trainer I am going to withdraw from (Thursday's) Memorial Tournament (in Ohio),'' the Briton told reporters after losing out to Dane Anders Hansen in their PGA Championship playoff at Wentworth today.

''With the layoff I have had, I have to have some time in the gym to get strong again, to cope with a full playing schedule. I am going to dedicate the next couple of weeks to really get myself strong and 100 percent fit.'' The 26-year-old Englishman said his back felt the same way it did after he finished joint fifth at the U.S. Masters in early April.

''I felt similar to this at Augusta,'' said Rose. ''I got through that week and was going to try to play the next week but I couldn't quite cope with that heavy sort of schedule.

''This time around I am going to be a little more cautious, although I don't believe there is a problem. It is just a matter of getting myself a little stronger.'' The Florida-based Rose, who plays most of his golf in the US, said it had been a thrill to be back on home soil this week.

''I get much greater support and I really enjoy that,'' said Rose. ''In America I am sort of gaining support and interest but there is nothing better than playing in front of your home crowd.'' REUTERS SLD PM0017