Rose sure to feel at home at Wentworth despite course ‘tweaks’

The Englishman was one of only 12 players under par at the European Tour’s flagship event last year following dramatic changes made to the fabled course.

Tweaks have been made to the par-four eighth and again to the 18th as the PGA welcomes the strongest field in event’s history.

Seven of the world’s top 10 and the winners of the last four majors are competing for the top prize of £653,000.

World No 29 Rose, who was second at the PGA in 2007, said: “I think they’ve softened some of the changes from last year. The word on the street is the tweaks they’ve made are for the better, so I’m looking forward to playing the course.

“I grew up in the area and came to watch the PGA from about the age of eight. Whenever I’m here I get good feelings and good memories.

“This tournament always gets good crowds and being from the area I always get good support.”

Last year’s surprise champion Simon Khan is struggling with a back injury that prompted his withdrawal from a recent tournament in Majorca.

Khan, 38, said: “I’d got a slight tear and didn’t want to make it worse considering what was coming up. I should be fine, but I’ve got to be careful.

“Despite my form recently I so love playing Wentworth and I’ve been thinking about it since the start of the year pretty much.

“I always play better when there’s a massive reason to do well and as the defending champion I have.

“I always said if I won a big one I would get an Aston Martin or a Lamborghini, but that’s not my values. Family is the thing that’s most important to me.”

England’s Brian Davis topped the qualifiers for the Open after a six-under-par round of 64 at the Gleneagles Club in Plano, Texas as Sergio Garcia was forced out with an infected fingernail.

Davis finished one shot ahead of American Chad Campbell as heavy rain forced the qualifier to be reduced from 36 holes to 18.

Joining Davis and Campbell at Royal St George’s in July will be Australia’s Nathan Green who shot a 66, a score matched by Americans Davis Love III, Spencer Levin, Chris Tidland and Bob Estes. Jerry Kelly won the final spot in a play-off.

Garcia has not missed an Open since he made his professional debut in it at Carnoustie in 1999 – the year he shot 89 and 83 and finished dead last.

The former world No 2 finds himself needing a way back into the big time after falling to 73rd in the rankings.

“I couldn’t grip the club properly,” said Garcia, who pulled out after four holes.

“Having a problem with your finger is obviously a big issue for a golfer.”

There are various avenues still open to Garcia, 31, before he can be ruled out of playing at Sandwich.

Assuming he is fit enough he could climb back into the game’s top 50 and become exempt.

There are also current-form money lists under way in Europe and America, plus additional spots on offer at tournaments including the French and Scottish Opens.

The final qualifier for European Tour players will be held at Sunningdale on Monday, June 6.