Ryder Cup: Justin Rose taking eight weeks off for rest and recovery after Hazeltine defeat

The decision means 36-year-old Rose will miss next week's British Masters

Justin Rose tees off on the first hole (Getty)

Olympic champion Justin Rose has announced he is taking a two-month break from golf in order to fully recover from a back injury.

The decision means 36-year-old Rose, who won two points from five matches in Europe's Ryder Cup defeat to the United States last week, will miss next week's British Masters - a tournament he won in 2002.

"Following an intense summer schedule and discussion with my team, I have decided to take the next eight weeks off for rest and recovery," the 2013 US Open champion said in a statement.

"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 Race to Dubai and my relationship with the British Masters makes these tournaments particularly tough to miss.

"I want to send my appreciation to the European Tour and (chief executive) Keith Pelley for being understanding of my need for time off and I thank them, my sponsors and the fans for their unwavering support."

Rose said during the Ryder Cup that he was unconcerned by the leaking of his personal medical records by Russian hackers.

The information on a therapeutic use exemption (TUE), which was granted so he could take an anti-inflammatory drug for his back injury, was stolen from the World Anti-Doping Agency's data storage system and published online by the so-called Fancy Bears.

Rose announced on May 19 he was withdrawing from the following week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. His TUE was authorised on May 20 and he was out for several weeks before returning to action at the US Open in June.

PA.