Honda Classic

Return of shoulder problem forces Rose out

ESPN staff

February 25, 2014

Justin Rose's shoulder problem flared up at last week's WGC-Match Play Championship © Getty Images

Enlarge

Justin Rose has withdrawn from this week's Honda Classic as he struggles to overcome his recent bout of tendonitis in his right shoulder.

The injury forced world No.6 Rose out of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, but returned for the Los Angeles Open earlier this month, finishing tied for 45th.

Rose also played in last week's WGC-Match Play Championship in Arizona, where he beat American Scott Piercy in the opening round before succumbing to eventual semi-finalist Ernie Els in the second round. Australian Jason Day went on to win the tournament.

Rose, who won his maiden major championship at the 2013 US Open, played deep into 2013 by finishing the European Tour season in China, Turkey and Dubai. He also played in South Africa.

Rose is replaced in the Honda Classic field by Ricky Barnes in a field which also includes Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

The Palm Beach Gardens event starts on Thursday and is the first of the PGA Tour's Florida swing.