BRIEF-Golf-Singh, Couples skip Australia events through injury

SYDNEY, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Injuries have forced former major winners Vijay Singh and Fred Couples to cancel planned trips to Australia next month.

Fijian Singh was due to play in the Australian PGA championship from Dec. 10-13 but withdrew because of a knee problem.

"We are all obviously very disappointed that Vijay isn't able to play in the PGA Championship and we know he was looking forward to returning to play in Australia after such a long absence," PGA of Australia chief executive Max Garske said in a statement.

Couples had planned to enter the Dec. 3-7 Australian Open but pulled out because of a lower back complaint.

"I was immensely looking forward to coming back Down Under and playing in such a prestigious event like the Australian Open," the American said. (Reporting by Julian Linden; Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com) ((julian.linden@thomsonreuters.com; +61409121090; Reuters Messaging: julian.linden.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net; For the sports blog Left Field go to: blogs.reuters.com/sport/))

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