JUSTIN Rose got a reminder of just how tough life is on the American PGA Tour when he crashed out at the halfway point of last week's Chrysler Classic of Tuscon.

The Hampshire golfer followed a level par first round 72 with a four-under 68 - and still missed the cut by one.

Rose was looking to make an impression in the event especially as many of the leading PGA Tour lights were off playing the World Matchplay Championships.

He was two under at one stage through his first round, but a couple of dropped shots on the finishing stretch cost him dearer than he thought. Rose played like his old self second time out and had three birdies and an eagle in his 68.

Now, starting with this week's Ford Championship, Rose has only three events to stake a claim for the US Masters, first major of the year on April 7.

He needs two big results to stand any chance of playing at Augusta where he led through the first two rounds in 2004.