Troubled Karlsson to miss U.S. PGA Championship

Robert Karlsson of Sweden of Sweden hits out of a sand trap on the second green during second round play at the 2009 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 10, 2009.

CROWLAND, England (Reuters) - Last year's European number one Robert Karlsson will miss next month's U.S. PGA Championship after being forced to delay his comeback from an eye problem.

"Robert is so eager to play again but doctor's orders are doctor's orders," the Swede's manager Lillian Jansson told Reuters on Thursday.

"He is recovering but not allowed to play yet, apart from practice and very light working out, nothing that can bring on stress."

Karlsson has a form of retinitis, causing a blister behind the left retina which is blurring his vision.

The 40-year-old will have a medical examination on August 25, when he will find out if he can resume competitive golf this season.

Karlsson took part in last week's Scandinavian Masters pro-am but found he still had a long way to go to be fully fit.

He has not played a tournament since late May and, following further tests at his base Monte Carlo, has been advised not to play competitive golf until his condition has improved.

The U.S. PGA Championship takes place from August 13-16 at the Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota.

(Editing by Alison Wildey)