Montgomerie forced to rest

Colin Montgomerie has pulled out of the BMW International Open in Munich to rest his injured back.

The 39-year-old will miss the event that starts tomorrow after consulting a specialist over the weekend about the back problems that have bothered him for most of the season. Montgomerie said: "I'm really disappointed to be missing an event I've always enjoyed."

Montgomerie's manager, Guy Kinnings, added: "He saw doctors in America the week before the USPGA and they confirmed he does not require surgery and it is not a serious injury, although it does cause him pain."

Montgomerie had always planned to miss the European Masters in Switzerland the week after the BMW International Open, and then play in the German Masters and American Express Championships at Mount Juliet in the weeks immediately preceding the Ryder Cup at The Belfry.

The European captain, Sam Torrance, has already taken Montgomerie's injury into consideration with respect to the gruelling schedule of matches against the Americans. Without the injury, Montgomerie would have been certain to play in all five series of matches, a potential total of 90 holes in three days. However, Torrance said: "It might be a bit much for him to play in every series."

Ian Poulter is the player on stand-by for the 10 automatic qualifiers in Europe's side.

The former Open champion Greg Norman has also withdrawn from the BMW International Open, also because of back trouble.