Rose raises US Open doubts

The Englishman has not played since the Players Championship three weeks ago and was watching from the sidelines last weekend at the BMW PGA Championship after being forced to withdraw from the European Tour’s flagship tournament due to a back injury.

The 35-year-old stated while taking in the action at Wentworth that he was confident of being fit for the second major of the year, which starts on June 16, claiming he fancies his chances of a second US Open title at Oakmont.

The 2013 US Open champion told Sky Sports: “I want to be 100 per cent fit, ready and focused for the US Open.

“Every day I’m making progress and, although it’s important not to rush these things, I’m upbeat and positive.

“Oakmont is exactly the type of golf course I love to play, it’s a classic, it’s tough and it’s got a reputation for being a real brute of a golf course and I relish that.”

However, Rose’s chances of featuring at the US Open would appear to have suffered a setback after it was confirmed he would play not part in this week’s action at Muirfield Village in Ohio due to ongoing concerns over his back.

The world number 10 will hope he is fit enough to compete at next week’s St Jude Classic, the last PGA Tour event before the US Open tees off.