Colin Montgomerie's attempts to find form going into next week's US Open suffered a setback today when he pulled out of a pro-am because of a bad back.
He was due to partner Leeds United star Harry Kewell in the curtain-raiser to the Compass Group English Open at the Forest of Arden but opted for treatment and rest instead.
Manager Guy Kinnings said: "Colin is feeling a bit sore and decided to be careful rather than risk making things worse. It was not a sudden pain, just some discomfort - possibly from all the work he has doing on his game lately. He anticipates being absolutely fine for the event."
The world number nine, who has not won on the European tour for 54 weeks, has time for further treatment in the morning if necessary, having been given a 1.05 p.m. first round tee-off time with defending champion Darren Clarke and Welshman Phillip Price.
Montgomerie, 38 later this month, has always counted himself lucky in how few injuries he has had during his career. He feels it was a key factor in his winning of seven successive Order of Merit titles, a run which was ended last year when he finished sixth on the money list.
PA