Ian Poulter has been forced to pull out of the Honda Classic in Florida after contracting pneumonia hours before the event started.

The British golfer was due to play with Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood on Thursday but notified the tournament officials of his absence after contracting a fever before the competition.

Poulter wrote on Twitter: "Sorry guys never been so disappointed pulling out of a tournament. Never felt so rough. Just been for a chest X-ray - got pneumonia guys. Rest time for me.

"Never felt so rough, hope the first reserve plays well in a great group today."

Miguel Angel Carballo replaced Poulter in the event which is currently being led by Davis Love III.